Tony Cascarino has backed Emile Smith Rowe to stay at Arsenal this summer despite rumours questioning his future.
Even though Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal made huge strides last season by pushing Manchester City for the Premier League title, it was a season to forget for Emile Smith Rowe.
The 22-year-old was out for long periods and only managed 161 minutes in the Premier League, but Cascarino made it clear he will ‘re-emerge’ and there is a ‘real talent’ in there, as he told talkSPORT.
With the Gunners looking to bring in Declan Rice from West Ham United, it was suggested that Smith Rowe could be used in part-exchange.
For the Hale-End star himself, that probably isn’t pleasant to hear because it’s not like he is asking to leave, but seemingly being put in part of a deal to suit his own club.
Either way, despite all that talk, former Republic of Ireland international Cascarino is now backing the 3-cap England star to stay and prove his worth.
“I feel Smith Rowe is a player that could emerge again,” said Cascarino. “He’s a really talented boy is Emile Smith Rowe. A great eye for a goal and it was blighted by injury last season.
“I think he will re-emerge. I think he has a future at Arsenal. I think there is a real talent there. Some people go ahead of you, at times, and for certain reasons.
“He suffered from injuries last season. But Smith Rowe is too good. I bet if Arsenal didn’t want him, then I bet there would be a lot of clubs that would love to take him in the Premier League.
“He is Arsenal through and through. He has a great feeling towards the club. Everything is on his side. He’s not done. He has too much potential.”
Smith Rowe good enough for Arsenal
Martin Odegaard is the main man in that number ten role for Arsenal, with 2022 summer signing Fabio Vieira as the back-up.
But given that Arsenal fans have been able to have a look at Vieira and what he is all about, it could be argued that he isn’t better than what Smith Rowe can offer.
Added to that, the Englishman can also play on the left-side of a three, and if need be, perhaps push him deeper into the midfield because of his ball-carrying ability.
But Arsenal shouldn’t be looking to sell their academy product because he still has plenty more to offer.
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