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3 players that could replace Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal

  • Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of leaving the club after 14 years
  • The Gunners could enter the market for a new signing to replace the midfielder
  • Do Arsenal already have in-house replacement?

By Affan Khan

Fulham are closing in on a move for Arsenal's Emile Smith-Rowe.
Fulham are closing in on a move for Arsenal's Emile Smith-Rowe. / MB Media/GettyImages
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3. Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal might already have a Smith-Rowe replacement. / Ryan Hiscott/GettyImages

The market for advanced midfielders is certainly not sparse at the moment. Marquee names like Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons have been flying around all summer, and Arsenal could join in if they really wanted to.

But, the club really doesn't need any more of that right now, given they already have one of the most exciting youth talents in the country in that exact position, waiting for a breakthrough. In just a few pre-season games, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has shown he can play serious football, and it won't be surprising to see him knocking on the door for first-team minutes next season.

However, to be considered a replacement for Smith Rowe still feels a little too extreme a responsibility to place on such inexperienced shoulders. Undoubtedly, Nwaneri can reach that level but for the moment, it would benefit his development if he were to simply play understudy to the first-teamers.

Regardless, Arsenal have a gem on their hands and they should focus on that rather than on investing in some shiny new toy. In the meantime, a smart signing to tick off some other boxes wouldn't go amiss, someone like Merino or Eze could solve several issues at once as a Smith Rowe replacement for the time being.

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