Arsenal Notebook: Is Emile Smith Rowe on the Gunners’ transfer list?

Arsenal transfer plans

With transfer rumors buzzing as the Premier League season comes to an end, supporters will be curious to see who will stay and who will go. Arsenal is preparing to shell out major funds to bolster their squad in hopes of gaining a competitive advantage for both the EPL and the UEFA Champions League competitions.

The Gunners are interested in signing midfielders with Mason Mount, Moisés Caicedo, Declan Rice, Youri Tieilemans, James Maddison on their wish list as well as İlkay Gündoğan, a hot commodity. With a likely Granit Xhaka departure and multitudes of transfer prospects, it seems probable that Mikel Arteta will have interest in signing at least two central players.

With many new talents at the Emirates, keeping core players will be paramount to success so that the club maintains the galvanized expectations Arteta has emphasized. This raises a question: Will Emile Smith Rowe be featured at Arsenal next season?

Smith Rowe’s future

The 22-year-old No. 10 suffered injury in September during a 3-1 loss to Manchester United, a setback that inhibited the academy product’s ability to contribute, leaving him out till March. Smith Rowe made 11 appearances this Premier League campaign, producing just 1 assist and 0 goals, a stark contrast to his 2021-2022 season where the dynamic youngster netted 10 times in 33 appearances.

Management at the Emirates have yet to comment on Smith Rowe’s future at the club leaving Gunner fans attentively interested in the young player’s future. In a conversation with GiveMeSport, Arteta stated he has “always liked” the South London native, but returning from surgery has proven difficult as minutes have been scarce.

With a €33 million price tag and costing Arsenal €40,000 a week, off-loading Smith Rowe could supply capital for summer transfer splurges. But could letting go of the 22-year-old be a mistake?

With ability in midfield and on the wing, it’s possible that Smith Rowe could clock in minutes for a rotation in multiple positions. Historically contributing more positive performances when in healthier spells opposed to the underwhelming involvements of Fábio Vieira, the man in question could see himself climbing the pecking order with more time.

Smith Rowe, upon returning to training, commented on plans to put his head down and work to become a favorite for the North London side again. Fabrizio Romano shared a statement by the the youngster: “I’m desperate to be playing, the team are doing really well and it’s something I want to be a part of. I’ve got to stay fit now for when the manager needs me. I’m trying to work as hard as I can so I’m ready to perform.”

Arsenal face 13th place Wolves to conclude the season for what will seem a consolation match for most fans. The low-stakes contest could enable Arteta to test midfield players on the fringes of the roster, giving Smith Rowe time to demonstrate his promise.