In a season where there are few things at Arsenal to disagree on, another unanimous viewpoint is how important the month of January will be for the season’s hopes and ambitions. Not only is the transfer window an opportunity for the Gunners to strengthen, but it will also see the return of a long-term absentee.
Emile Smith Rowe has been out for the majority of the season, having made just four substitute appearances amassing 45 minutes worth of action before Arsenal decided he should undergo surgery on a groin issue which flared up again after the defeat at Manchester United. Smith Rowe is expected to travel with the squad to Dubai for the mid-season break.
His return will mean that a number of areas in the squad will receive significant support that hasn’t always been there. Depth has been present, quality much less so.
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"I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions,” said Arteta in February in response to the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well, I think.”
The Arsenal front three of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli has brought with it a combined 15 goals between them. Behind them, Eddie Nketiah and Marquinhos have been used sparingly in the Premier League and unsurprisingly, haven’t scored in the competition.
Reiss Nelson, meanwhile, came in for Saka against Nottingham Forest and scored twice. Although there’s an expectation that despite his desire to stay, a future beyond this season with the club remains unlikely.
Arteta’s reference to the left wing specifically regarding Smith Rowe would indicate that Martinelli receives the benefit of potential rotation from the England international’s return. However, the Brazilian is versatile and there could be a situation whereby he switches to the right to give Saka a rest with Smith Rowe on the opposite flank.
Meanwhile, despite significant question marks over the suitability of Smith Rowe playing in the central striking role, he clearly has the support of his coach that should Jesus or Nketiah not be available, the 22-year-old could cover.
The other two positions are currently held by both Granit Xhaka on the left of the central midfield, and Martin Odegaard on the right. Smith Rowe has played in the role of Xhaka before alongside the Norwegian.
It has not held too much success thus far and needs significant defensive work rate from the typically offensive player to have the same impact as the Swiss international. Meanwhile, when Smith Rowe has rotated with Odegaard, he has tended to operate further forward in more of a No. 10 position than the right eight that the 23-year-old is mastering.
Without question, Arsenal need to invest in the winter window and with strong links to the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Jesper Lindstrom, it appears the Gunners will make good on this necessity.
However, Smith Rowe’s imminent restoration to first-team action brings versatility and quality that Arteta is backing to cover a larger portion of the starting XI than many might anticipate.
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