Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent times, but Jamie Carragher's past verdict on the Gunners star explains why they shouldn't sell him
Not too long ago Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe was considered one of the best young talents in the Premier League.
The Hale End academy graduate was thought of in the same breath as Gunners teammate Bukayo Saka, enjoying a stellar 2021/22 campaign that saw him net 10 times in the league. But the 23-year-old didn't start a single league match last term, struggling with injury problems whilst manager Mikel Arteta preferred the likes of Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Fabio Vieira even when the England Under-21s star was fit.
And if Jamie Carragher's old comments are anything to go by, Arteta should keep hold of the England international at all costs. "I mentioned his lack of goals at this moment and that’s the only thing he needs in his game," Liverpool legend Carragher said of Smith Rowe back in October 2021.
"He’s been outstanding again, certainly that first-half. When he gets on his bike you’re not catching him. He’s as quick with the ball as he is without it. He gets a little bit of fortune no doubt, that deflection off [Tyrone] Mings. He’s fantastic when he runs with the ball, he’s never out of control and he gets that little bit of luck we all need at times.
"Just wrong foots the goalkeeper. His fourth Premier League goal and if he adds that to his game we have got a star. He’s as good as anyone in the league when he’s running with the ball.
"He can use both feet, he never looks like he’s out of control, and the pace at which he can actually run with the ball at his feet. We have so many special players in this country, especially in attacking areas. We have an abundance of talent and Smith Rowe is one of them."