Following the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in a preseason friendly at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, followed by a win on penalties, Mikel Arteta, the boss of Arsenal, explained the status of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson as regards their futures.
Speaking in his latest press conference, Arteta responded to the possible departures of the youngsters. Asked about Smith Rowe, Arteta revealed: “Yeah, there are things happening in the background at the moment. We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today.” Reports suggest he will move to Fulham in the recent past weeks. The 23-year-old Smith Rowe’s future still remains in doubt as he could look for a regular first-team appearance for himself at Arsenal.
On Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, he said: “A lot of players are being linked with possible movements. One way or another. It’s normal. What I really like are the players that we have, the levels that they are showing. Especially the commitment you can see it today just talking about those two the way they performed.
Nketiah, 25, and Nelson, 24, both performed admirably during this pre-season game as they played their part with a few moments of individual skill and endeavour. That isn’t to say they wouldn’t be potential candidates for a summer move should more game time be elsewhere.
In his response, Arteta emphasized just how hard it is for Arsenal to keep its young players, who often see higher playing opportunities than their chances with the Gunners. In the manager’s appreciation for them to commit and perform, one could see the fine line between keeping team depth and giving players a chance to progress.
With all of this in the balance, the futures of Smith Rowe, Nketiah, and Nelson will be watched upon keenly by Gunners and football fans in general as the transfer window wears on. Decisions that will be taken in coming weeks might go on to have a great bearing on squad dynamics ahead of the new season.
