Arsenal are reportedly considering selling Emile Smith Rowe to fund a move for Leicester‘s James Maddison as Mikel Arteta plots a summer rebuild in midfield. The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League this season, are looking to challenge for the title next season and boost their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Smith Rowe, who has been at Arsenal for over 13 years, broke through to the first team in 2020 after loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield. However, his progress was stalled this season due to injury and he has failed to make a Premier League start this season, watching six of Arsenal‘s last eight matches from the bench.
The 22-year-old is not the only starlet that Arsenal is considering letting go during the summer transfer window, with Kiernan Tierney and Rob Holding also in consideration. Maddison, Declan Rice, and Moises Caicedo are on Arsenal‘s wish list of incomings.
Maddison has been on Arsenal‘s radar for some time as a suitable midfield option, after distinguishing himself during a turbulent season with the Foxes. Despite Leicester‘s struggles this season, Leicester boss Dean Smith took a risk by leaving Maddison and his team-mate Harvey Barnes on the bench as they faced Newcastle on Monday, and they held out for a 0-0 draw.
That Smith Rowe could be sold to fund Maddison‘s transfer will no doubt come as a disappointment to Arsenal supporters. The player has deep roots at the North London club but has struggled this season after battling injuries, and the club’s decision may reflect their desire to bolster their squad with more experienced players like Maddison.
While Arsenal‘s fans will be hoping to see Smith Rowe fulfill his potential at the club, they will no doubt be excited about the prospect of adding Maddison to their ranks. The 25-year-old provides creativity, energy, and attacking threat from midfield, and his arrival could help Arsenal challenge for silverware next season.
Arsenal has traditionally built its success on its academy products, but the club’s decision to sell Smith Rowe and potentially others shows that they are now looking to supplement their homegrown talent with experienced players. If Maddison does come to the Emirates Stadium this summer, he will have big shoes to fill, but if he can replicate his impressive form for the Foxes, he could be just the midfield spark that Arsenal needs to take its game to the next level.
