Arsenal could be about to sanction a transfer trade which will leave Mikel Arteta under pressure to prove people wrong. Emile Smith Rowe joining Chelsea following Kai Havertz’s arrival from Stamford Bridge could turn out to be a nightmare for the Gunners.
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is looking to put last season's injuries behind him and push on
Many Arsenal supporters were against the prospect of signing Havertz when interest emerged early in the summer. The German had often been the subject of ridicule during his three years in west London.
Not only was the interest in Havertz real, Arteta pushed through with a deal and committed to paying up to £65million. Chelsea almost broke even on a player who, apart from scoring the winner in the Champions League final, had failed to live up to anywhere near his billing.
Todd Boehly probably couldn’t believe his luck as he attempted to move on as many unwanted players from the Blues squad as possible. Some Arsenal fans have been willing to give Havertz a chance and Arteta hasn’t got many signings wrong.
However, the early signs are not good. He has started all three Premier League matches and is already being labelled the scapegoat for Arsenal’s below-par performances.
Read more… Transfer news LIVE – Man Utd want Lyon defender as Chelsea target Smith Rowe
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He got away with it while Arsenal were winning but the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday has seen many jump on his back. The Emirates faithful would much rather see Smith Rowe be given a chance over Havertz.
However, there is now the real possibility that their much-loved academy graduate could be on his way this week. That in itself will be a tough pill to swallow but seeing him move to Chelsea would be a dagger in the heart.
The Mail says Smith Rowe is one of the attacking players Mauricio Pochettino has identified in the final days of the window. Barcelona duo Ferran Torres and Raphinha are also on their radar.
But the homegrown Smith Rowe could be an attractive proposition. The 23-year-old can’t be blamed for exploring his options as he is yet to play a single minute this season.
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Smith Rowe hasn’t started a match in any competition for the Gunners since May 2022. Injury ruined his chances in the first half of last season and he was unable to catch Arteta’s eye for the remainder of the campaign.
Arteta has promised Smith Rowe will feature more this season but that is yet to come to fruition. It has been some fall from grace for the attacking midfielder.
He was one of Arsenal’s best players in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He made his senior England debut and earned huge praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher, who labelled him the best dribbler in the Premier League.
But he only turned 23 in July and still has plenty of time on his side. It would be a nightmare for Arsenal fans to see him leave for Chelsea, especially after getting Havertz in return, and Arteta will need to be wary of the backlash he would receive if he sanctions that deal.
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