Emile Smith Rowe scores as Arsenal secure 2-0 win in behind-closed-doors friendly against English club amid reports linking him with transfer
Emile Smith Rowe was on target as Arsenal beat EFL League One outfit Leyton Orient 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly on Saturday (July 20). The English attacker came on in the second half despite speculation growing over his future.
The Gunners prevailed courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus and Smith Rowe. The latter's strike came three minutes after his introduction, firing home with Jesus assisting.
Jesus opened the scoring in the first half thanks to good build-up play from attacking duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and Reiss Nelson. Eddie Nketiah assisted the Brazilian striker as Mikel Arteta's men controlled proceedings at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Smith Rowe, 23, entered the fray in the second half and got himself a goal. He endured a frustrating 2023-24 campaign, rarely given an opportunity by Arteta.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the three-cap England international. According to talkSPORT, they rejected opening bids from Crystal Palace and Fulham for the attacking midfielder.
However, the Gunners could accept offers of around £25 million for their academy graduate. He has two years left on his contract but wants more first-team opportunities.
Palace view Smith Rowe as a replacement for Michael Olise after the French attacker moved to Bayern Munich. Fulham want to bolster their squad amid a topsy-turvy past season, during which they finished 13th in the league.
"It hurts" - David Seaman explains why he doesn't want to see Smith Rowe leave Arsenal
Smith Rowe's time at Arsenal seems increasingly likely to end amid his club's willingness to listen to offers. He rose through the youth ranks at Hale End and has since made 115 senior appearances, posting 18 goals and 13 assists.
Injury issues have hampered the former RB Leipzig's career in recent years. He looked set to be a prominent member of Arteta's starting XI years ago but fitness problems have complicated matters.
Nketiah is another of Arsenal's squad whose future is up in the air. The English duo could depart the Emirates this summer.
David Seaman touched on talk of the attacking pair leaving by expressing regret over seeing homegrown talent linked with departures. The Gunners' iconic former goalkeeper said (via The Mirror):
"There has been talk of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal, and for me it hurts when homegrown players leave the club. They aren’t getting game time, so they’re going to be frustrated, and fans will be frustrated if they leave because they love singing songs for homegrown players."
Arteta continuously dismissed suggestions the young attacking midfielder was set to leave the Emirates throughout last season. His lack of faith in the Englishman suggests otherwise, as he started just four of 19 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.