Arsenal want to do a bit of business in January, but, as ever, they will be shackled by the restrictions of Financial Fair Play.
The Gunners had to get creative when signing David Raya towards the end of the summer, and after splurging over £200m in the last transfer window, there isn’t much leeway in terms of profit and sustainability at the Emirates right now.
Speaking on TalkSPORT (30/11/23 7:44AM), Gabriel Agbonlahor has been discussing Arsenal’s situation, and he reckons that the Gunners may have to sell a player if they do indeed want to sign someone like Ivan Toney.
Agbonlahor named Emile Smith Rowe as a candidate to be sold in January, claiming that he doesn’t see the midfielder ever becoming a starter at Arsenal.
Smith Rowe could be sold
Agbonlahor shared his verdict on Smith Rowe along with Kevin Campbell.
“Say January comes and Arsenal have to sell somebody, have to for Financial Fair Play to bring Toney in, who are you selling?” Agbonlahor said.
“I said Smith Rowe, but I know Arsenal fans love him, but is he going to be a starter in the future? I don’t see it.”
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“I love Smith Rowe but I think that connection, that love for players, we’ve got be ruthless,” Campbell replied.
“We’ve got to really look at it and say who are the tradable pieces. Smith Rowe for whatever reason doesn’t seem to be able to keep himself fit.
“And you know that’s the best ability in the world is to be available.”
Inevitable
As much as we like Smith Rowe as a player, it does feel almost inevitable that he will eventually have to leave Arsenal.
As Agbonlahor says, he’s not likely to be a starter anytime soon, and with each passing week on the bench, his development is being stunted more and more.
Smith Rowe’s value is high, so a sale in the winter window could make sense, even if it would be a shame to see him go.
Smith Rowe could have a great career elsewhere, but it does feel as though he might not make it at Arsenal.