Martin Keown reacts live on talkSPORT as news drops on West Ham United pursuit of Emile Smith Rowe, ‘I’m worried’
Martin Keown doesn’t want to see Emile Smith Rowe leave Arsenal amid interest from West Ham in signing him on loan in the January transfer window.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (19 January, 11:54am), the pundit said he’s “worried” that the England international isn’t getting enough football with the Gunners, but he believes they won’t loan him out to the Hammers despite journalist Alex Crook reporting their interest on Friday.
But he conceded that allowing the “outstanding” 23-year-old attacking midfielder to leave on loan this month could be the best way of raising cash to get other players through the door at the Emirates Stadium.
“I’m worried for Smith Rowe not getting enough football,” said Keown. “But they won’t let him go on loan to West Ham. They want cash for players now, don’t they? If they’re going to sell, that decision needs to be made.
“It might be that they think ‘okay, let’s give him one more chance on loan to see if he is what we think he is because he’s had so many injuries’.
“I think if Arsenal are looking to do anything or do some business and want to get a striker, there’s talk about the narrative that they’re not scoring goals, maybe this is the best way of raising some cash.
“I don’t want to see him go, I think he’s an outstanding talent. But obviously, with financial fair play, Arsenal are going to have to make something happen.”
Up to the player
The decision may rest in Smith Rowe’s hands because he will undoubtedly be frustrated at his lack of playing time at Arsenal over the past couple of seasons.
Although injuries have played their part, the attacking midfielder has only made two starts during this campaign as he doesn’t appear to be at the forefront of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Moving him on and securing a loan fee could be the best way for the Gunners to free up some wages and earn some cash to allow them to get someone else through the door to aid their title bid.
He would add quality to the Hammers’ attacking options after the likes of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma have failed to perform when handed opportunities this season.
It will be interesting to see how this one develops, but it would be a real bonus if we can manage to seal a deal to bring him in this month.
In other West Ham news, the club are eyeing a move for a player on £200,000 a week.
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