Arsenal hurtling towards transfer calamity as Aston Villa ready raid for ‘disappointed’ star Arteta keeps snubbing
A journalist has talked up the chances of Aston Villa plucking a lively attacker from Arsenal after claiming the “disappointed” player “would certainly consider” ditching Mikel Arteta for Unai Emery.
The Gunners saw their chances of lifting a first Premier League title since 2004 nosedive on Wednesday night. Arsenal were outclassed in all departments at the Etihad, with Man City storming to a 4-1 victory that gives them sole control of the destiny of the title.
Arteta chopped and changed his attacking options throughout the second half. Among those to receive an increasingly rare cameo was homegrown playmaker, Emile Smith Rowe.
It’s been a frustrating campaign for the 22-year-old who’s been limited to just 213 minutes of action across all competitions. Injuries have unquestionably played a part, though even when fit, he’s barely got a look-in.
Indeed, Smith Rowe was an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s three costly draws leading up to the crunch Man City clash. Smith Rowe has failed to make it off the bench no fewer than seven times in the league since the World Cup break.
With Martin Odegaard pulling the strings it’s easy to see why Smith Rowe’s chances have been limited. However, it’s a situation that could lend itself to a damaging move away.
Losing such a talented player who is homegrown and has his best years ahead would be calamitous for Arsenal. As such, the latest from journalist Chris Wheatley will make grim reading for the Gunners.
talkSPORT previously reported Aston Villa are sizing up Smith Rowe in the summer window. Their manager, Unai Emery, is the figure who blooded Smith Rowe in Arsenal’s first-team during his previous stint at the Emirates.
Now, Wheatley – formerly of Football London – declared “there’s absolutely truth” in the Smith Rowe to Villa links.
Furthermore, he claimed Smith Rowe is rankled by his lack of chances this term and “would certainly consider” leaving his boyhood club.
Smith Rowe to Aston Villa “one to watch”
“There’s absolutely truth in that,” said the journalist on his Chris Wheatley YouTube show. “Unai Emery’s a big admirer of Emile Smith Rowe.
“Don’t forget, he was the manager who gave him his opportunity in the Arsenal first-team when he took over at head coach.
“I know he’s disappointed with his lack of first-team opportunities. Whether or not he looks for a move away from the club is another story altogether. He’s a quality player, he offers a lot.
“And I think in games like that match against Southampton, I think Emile Smith Rowe could have offered something different to someone like Fabio Vieira.
“So yeah, Smith Rowe is wanted by Aston Villa. I think it’s a move that he would certainly consider because it’s a chance to rejuvenate his career.
“I think Villa might be a really good opportunity for him with a really, really good coach in Unai Emery, who he knows well. So let’s wait and see on that one. But it’s definitely one to watch this summer.”
