Transfer Talk: Smith Rowe needs shot in the arm after Gunners woe

Emile Smith Rowe was considered one of the hottest prospects in the country not long ago.

But after Arsenal impressed in a 2022-23 campaign that he missed the majority of, he will return for pre-season well down the pecking order.

With Euro 2024 around the corner, the England international cannot afford another season of such little action.

As he prepares to play for the Three Lions in the European Under-21 Championship next week, we take a look at his options.

Lost his way

When Smith Rowe scored 10 goals in 17 matches between September and December 2021, including one in his only England start, he was considered a breakthrough talent comparable to Bukayo Saka.

The attacking midfielder ended the campaign with 12 goals but groin surgery then kept him out of the first half of last season.

Subsequent setbacks could not have come at a worse time.

He was watching on from the sidelines as the Gunners improved markedly to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title last season.

Out of the picture

Smith Rowe has been left in the shadow of Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, with the young forwards among the best players in the English top flight last term.

And with Martin Odegaard also among Arsenal's top performers in the central attacking midfield position, there is no clear route back into the starting XI for the 22-year-old former RB Leipzig loanee.

Not only that, but the North Londoners seem intent on signing more players in forward areas.

Leandro Trossard arrived from Brighton last January, while Kai Havertz is a summer target from Chelsea, potentially blocking Smith Rowe's path to Mikel Arteta's line-up.

And the Basque boss admits he cannot rely on past performances, saying last April: "He's pushing. In football, what you did a year ago, a month ago is not important.

"It's about what you do now, what you do yesterday and what you do tomorrow.

"The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team, it has to make us better and to make us win games."

Varied threat

At his best, Smith Rowe offers an all-round threat.

He caught the eye of Gareth Southgate as he ranked in the top eight for goals, assists, key passes and dribbles in the Gunners' squad across the 2021-22 league campaign.

It was that remarkable run of goalscoring that was most noteworthy — and was also an example of the variety in his game.

Four of his efforts came from outside the box but others were poacher's efforts from close to goal.

Potential destinations

The attacking midfielder will not be short of options should Arsenal decide to cash in this summer.

Aston Villa have been credited with an interest as they embark on a European campaign next season and with Philippe Coutinho likely to leave the West Midlanders.

Newcastle and West Ham are in Europe, too, and could be interested in bolstering their forward ranks.

Whatever the destination, a move away could be wise for an academy graduate who will struggle for playing time at the Emirates next term.