Arsenal are set to be very active in the upcoming summer transfer window and one of the big names who could leave the Emirates is Emile Smith Rowe.

The Englishman is one of our own. He joined Arsenal when he was just 10 years old, came through the ranks at Hale End and fulfilled the dream of becoming a star at the top level.

Smith Rowe was one of our best players last season, but he has had a torrid campaign this time around. Now, he could be sold, according to The Times.

Why Arsenal could end up selling Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe‘s problems at Arsenal this season have been down to his injury issues. The 22-year-old had to undergo surgery to fix the groin problem he had, and that kept him out of most parts of the campaign.

However, even when he returned to full fitness, he didn’t receive enough opportunities – he was given just 99 minutes of Premier League game time in 2023. We think we know the reason behind that.

The Arsenal: All or Nothing Amazon documentary gave us an incredible insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the Emirates and London Colney.

In one episode, Arsenal’s assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg sits Smith Rowe down and shows him a video. In the clip, the Englishman lost out on a duel and the Gunners’ Dutch coach was far from happy.

When Smith Rowe said the other player just ‘pushed him out of the way’, Stuivenberg sternly replied: “But those are the duels – this is, for me, you need to be able to win these.

“This is part of our practice when you are defending, when we are in situations in small-sided games, man-to-man, all those moments. You need to be able to win those balls, Emile, much more, because you’re quicker.

“It’s all about using your body and being much more brave to play balls in behind, to make runs, to make something happen because you’re a creative player. I want to see you more in those situations.”

When I lose a duel, I’m upset

If there’s one thing Mikel Arteta hates at Arsenal, it’s to see his players lose duels.

This, as we saw in the documentary, was an issue with Smith Rowe last season, and it doesn’t look like that has changed much this time around. That’s probably why Arteta hasn’t trusted him as much even when he has been fully fit.

Arsenal’s targets this summer – Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount – are all much, much better at winning duels, and although they may not be as creative as Smith Rowe, they are much better suited to that number eight role in our midfield.

We really hope Arsenal will not sell Smith Rowe this summer, but if Arteta and Edu decide to let him go, this could probably be the main reason why.

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