Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted to feeling a sense of regret over the departure of Emile Smith Rowe, a talented midfielder who joined Fulham this summer. Smith Rowe, who had been with Arsenal since the age of 10, left the club in a £34 million transfer after battling injuries that limited his playing time.
Reflecting on the transfer, Arteta expressed his disappointment at not being able to maximize the young player’s potential while he was at the Emirates. “First of all, I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way,” said Arteta, recalling Smith Rowe’s impact during difficult periods for the club.
Smith Rowe was once seen as a promising figure in Arsenal’s lineup, especially when he helped reignite the team during challenging times. However, his progress was hampered by injuries, and despite the promise he showed, his opportunities in Arteta’s system were limited.
Arteta acknowledged his responsibility in the situation, expressing that he felt he had not utilized Smith Rowe properly. “I have a feeling like ‘argh’, that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously, a lot of things happened in that time,” he admitted, referring to the midfielder’s injury woes and lack of consistent playing time.
