Arsenal miss perfect solution to Smith Rowe conundrum
Sam McGuire
- 31 Aug 2023 13:27 BST
- 6 min read
Emile Smith Rowe is a bit of a conundrum for Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old burst onto the scene along with Bukayo Saka and really caught the eye during the 2021/22 campaign when he netted 10 goals and chipped in with two assists. In fact, Saka was the only Arsenal player to finish with more Premier League goals than him (11).
During the summer of 2021, Smith Rowe put pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates amid interest from Aston Villa and he was given the iconic No.10 jersey that had been vacated by Mesut Ozil.
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He was expected to be the face of the Arsenal project under Arteta along with Saka.
In fact, speaking after the versatile midfielder put pen to paper on a new deal, the former Manchester City assistant manager said: "An incredible season for a No.10 of Arsenal means he needs to score 15 goals and give 10 assists. Then you are right up there with the top guys in Europe and in the league. He's [Smith Rowe] got the ability to do it but he hasn't done it."
Arteta clearly expected Smith Rowe to kick on and it did appear as though he might’ve been onto something after his 10-goal season. But things haven’t gone to plan.
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Smith Rowe underwent groin surgery in September 2022, and he missed a total of 14 games, sitting out Arsenal’s early title challenge. The hope was that he would return for the second half of the campaign and give the Gunners a boost. He was fit and part of the matchday squad from game week 20. He made zero starts, however, and was given just eight cameo appearances from the bench. The England U21 international was given 45 minutes off the bench against Bournemouth but every other appearance was for 20 minutes, at most.
He’s failed to get off the bench so far this season and now appears to be behind Fabio Vieira in the pecking order at the Emirates.
The Arsenal No.10 is clearly talented, but where does he fit into Arteta’s plans? With the Gunners looking to further reinforce their squad ahead of a title challenge, perhaps now is the ideal time to cash in on Smith Rowe while his stock remains high. After all, another season on the peripheral would make it difficult for clubs to justify a €60m outlay.
Chelsea were the perfect answer
According to reports, Chelsea were keen on the former Huddersfield Town loanee, although with a deal for Manchester City’s Cole Palmer in the works, it looks unlikely that Smith Rowe will follow.
On paper, the deal made a lot of sense. The Blues are without Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka is out for a minimum of six weeks after hobbling off against West Ham United.
Mauricio Pochettino had to use Enzo Fernandez higher up in the win over Luton Town but in an ideal world, he is viewed as a midfield partner for new signing Moises Caicedo. Fernandez can play further forward but he’s handy in the build-up phase. By bringing in someone who excels in the final third as an attacking midfielder, the team might look better balanced. Smith Rowe ticks that box.
He’s got a unique profile in the sense he’s 6ft but carries the ball like someone much smaller. The 23-year-old is robust when challenged and has the power to breeze past opponents. Smith Rowe can be progressive and creative but then, given he’s come through the ranks under Arteta, he’s also safe in possession. A goal threat in open play, he could have been an ideal foil for Raheem Sterling and Jackson Martinez as part of the Chelsea front three.
Palmer’s move to Stamford Bridge likely means that boat has sailed, though, leaving Arteta, Arsenal and Smith Rowe with a head-scratching problem as Deadline Deal looms.
