Exclusive: Arsenal star being discussed by London rivals, says transfer expert – “he deserves to play”

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has been discussed internally at Fulham as a potential transfer target for this summer, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed. 

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano provided us with his latest insight around Smith Rowe’s future in a potentially complicated situation for the player and his club this summer.

Smith Rowe has barely played for the Gunners in recent times, though he previously looked like a talented young player with a big future.

With injuries and increased competition for places at the Emirates Stadium harming his first-team prospects, it could be a good time for the England international to move on, though one imagines Mikel Arteta might also want to have him around as a backup option.

Romano says he feels Smith Rowe deserves to play and is at the stage where he needs to play more regularly, though he also sympathises with Arteta, who will surely want as much squad depth as possible for next season.

Smith Rowe transfer: Will Arsenal midfielder leave for Fulham?

“We continue to hear reports of Arsenal outgoings, and one name now attracting particular interest is Emile Smith Rowe. I can confirm, as the Telegraph reported, that he is one of the names that Fulham mentioned internally during a meeting to plan for summer window,” Romano said.

“Still, it will be up to Arsenal also, as even in January they insisted to keep him. I think he deserves to play, he needs to play, but I understand Mikel Arteta when he wants to keep as many players as possible. Arsenal, like all clubs who are ambitious in the big competitions, will need good squad depth again next season, so let’s see what happens.”

Smith Rowe would certainly be a fine signing for Fulham and could get the playing time he needs there.