The beginning of Arsenal’s 2022/2023 campaign will be the most important period for Emile Smith Rowe’s career with the north London club so far. It is pivotal that the Englishman impresses with his performances to prevent falling far down the pecking order.
The Gunners' transfer business in the summer market so far has meant that Smith Rowe’s place in the team is in doubt following the arrival of Fabio Vieira, and Martin Odegaard’s arrival in the previous summer window has meant that Smith Rowe’s opportunities in his natural position have become even more limited.
The youngster’s place in the squad has been threatened even further following Arsenal’s fresh links to Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta who can operate in the centre of midfield and even higher on the pitch. Smith Rowe must regain the form he found during the middle of the previous campaign to maintain his place in the side.
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Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports has reported that a move for Paqueta to Arsenal is very possible as Arsenal are going to make contact with the player first before any bid. Lyon are reportedly requiring a €65million (£54million) fee to secure his services.
Smith Rowe struggled to maintain good for towards the back end of the last campaign. His string of disappointing performances led to Gabriel Martinelli usurping his starting position on the left-hand side.
To prevent himself from falling further down the pecking order with Arsenal also on the hunt for a winger in the transfer window, The English man must regain the form from last season which earned him his senior international call-up.
He had been one of Arteta's most consistent players since breaking into the side in December of 2020 , which also helped him earn the Fans Player of The Year award for 2021. Smith Rowe took the number ten shirt from Mesut Ozil, and had certainly been showing that he is worthy of taking over from his predecessor.
The Hale End star also became the fourth Arsenal player under the age of 21 to score in three straight Premier League games, the previous three being Nicolas Anelka, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Cesc Fabregas.
It was his excellent form during the mid-point of last season, which made him a guaranteed starter in the team. It is important he regains this form to reclaim his status in Arteta’s starting side.
The upcoming period in pre-season and the opening games of the season will be crucial for Smith Rowe to continue excelling as an Arsenal player. With the World Cup also being just months away, the youngster needs a starting role with his club to secure a plane ticket to Qatar.
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