Arsenal are reportedly continuing to weigh up the possibility of selling Emile Smith Rowe this summer.
There was a time during the 2021-22 campaign when Smith Rowe was regarded as one of the key players in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Ten goals and two assists were posted from 33 Premier League appearances during that particular campaign, but persistent injuries have prevented the England international from further progressing his career.
Smith Rowe has accumulated just 577 minutes of football since the start of 2022-23, with that game time spread over as many as 28 appearances in all competitions.
That highlights how Smith Rowe has largely been restricted to substitute outings and he has only made two starts in the Premier League during the current campaign.
© Reuters
Although the most recent of those came on January 30, the 23-year-old has not featured since, remaining as an unused substitute against Liverpool and missing the 6-0 win over West Ham United through injury.
The versatile attacker suffered an ankle issue during training in the days prior to that match, yet it is not believed to be serious enough to keep him out in the long term.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Smith Rowe remains in Arsenal's thinking as they contemplate how to bolster their FFP position.
Their need to remain on the right side of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations meant that Arteta did not add to his squad in January.
© Reuters
Selling Smith Rowe would lead to a substantial improvement in their financial position courtesy of the player being an academy graduate and able to generate pure profit.
The report suggests that Arsenal are focused on making more notable signings if they are able to give themselves more leeway in the transfer market.
Smith Rowe may also consider a transfer elsewhere to kick-start his career, despite his affinity with the Gunners who he joined in 2010.
As it stands, his contract is due to expire in 2026, both parties creeping towards a period where decisions will need to be made over his future.
Darren Plant
