Football Digest: Arsenal stutter against Fulham
Arsenal could be forced to find a replacement for Emile Smith Rowe if he moves to Chelsea before this week’s transfer deadline. Luckily for sporting director Edu, reports indicate that he has already done much of the legwork if he decides to pick up where he left off in pursuit of Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati.
The Gunners’ transfer chief has spoken fondly of his friendship with Deco, who was recently appointed Barca’s sporting director. That could come in handy later this week if Arsenal are forced to let go of Smith Rowe.
Chelsea have placed the 23-year-old on a shortlist of attacking targets, according to The Daily Mail. Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson has admirers at Stamford Bridge, but he looks set to sign for Tottenham instead.
Arsenal may find it difficult to stand in Smith Rowe’s way if the Blues come calling, given that his progress has badly stalled under Mikel Arteta.
Don’t miss… Real Madrid and Barcelona Champions League spots ‘at risk’ due to Rubiales saga
Reaching double-digit goals in 2021/22 was followed up by 14 goalless appearances across all competitions last campaign as injuries wreaked havoc. Things are off to a similarly poor start this term.
With options aplenty on the bench, Arteta opted to bring on Fabio Vieira in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Fulham, while Smith Rowe was left untouched until the final whistle. The Croydon-born star may feel that it is time to rebuild his career elsewhere.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Read more…
Man Utd ‘contact’ Brentford as Erik ten Hag plots ambitious double transfer raid[TRANSFERS]
Luis Rubiales’ mum ‘locks herself in a church and declares hunger strike'[LATEST]
Spain’s sporting controversies include ‘blacked-up’ F1 fan and slanted eye photo[FEATURE]
Smith Rowe came through the ranks as an attacking midfielder, but he has featured predominantly out wide for the Gunners in recent seasons. Fati may therefore be towards the top of Edu’s list if Arsenal are forced to sound out a replacement.
Reports in Spain suggest that the north London side made contact with agent Jorge Mendes earlier this summer, with a move for Fati the topic of discussion. It later emerged that the Spanish international was keen to stay at the Nou Camp, where he broke through as a teenager, and fight for his place.
An underwhelming start to the season may have prompted Fati to think again, however. In Barcelona’s three La Liga games thus far, the 20-year-old has played a total of 47 minutes.
By comparison, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has clocked more than three times as many minutes on the right flank, with the youngster unlikely to lose his place under Xavi for the foreseeable future.
Source: Read Full Article