Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea star turned talkSPORT pundit, has weighed in on the potential departure of Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe under manager Mikel Arteta. Drogba suggests that Smith Rowe might be on the move this month, drawing parallels to Chelsea’s regrets over selling players like Mo Salah and KDB in the past.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s recent FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, where Smith Rowe played as a late substitute, Drogba expresses his belief in the player’s talent, deeming him “phenomenal.” Speculation arises about a possible January transfer, with Aston Villa among the rumored interested clubs.
TalkSPORT’s Alan Pardew adds to the discourse, stating that the 23-year-old might leave during this transfer window. Pardew highlights Smith Rowe’s exceptional technical skills, suggesting he could be a valuable addition for any team outside the top six.
From my perspective, it appears unlikely that Smith Rowe has a future at Arsenal. Despite fitness and availability, he has struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, making only one Premier League start this season. The limited playing time raises questions about his role within the team, especially with Arsenal’s acquisition of Kai Havertz from Chelsea in 2023, signaling potential doubts from Arteta regarding Smith Rowe’s ability to feature regularly.
As the summer of 2024 approaches, Smith Rowe may consider exploring other options to ensure consistent playing time and development in his career.
Leave a Reply