Arsenal face major transfer conundrum as star Mikel Arteta 'loves' attracts Prem interest

Arsenal have been handed a major transfer conundrum, with Fulham reportedly plotting a move for fringe star Emile Smith Rowe.

The playmaker made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium due to the good form of new signings and recurring injury problems.

Smith Rowe has been regarded as a top prospect internally at Arsenal for a matter of years, but a sale is firmly on the cards this summer after another underwhelming campaign.

According to the Telegraph, Fulham are desperate to acquire the services of the versatile midfielder over the coming months and have made him one of their main ‘priorities’ for the window.

The Craven Cottage outfit have Smith Rowe ‘high on their recruitment agenda’ and are leading the charge to secure his signature, with other clubs around Europe also monitoring his situation closely – with Aston Villa previously keen.

Arsenal have a tough decision to make with Smith Rowe as his versatility is an incredibly useful asset given that he can play on either wing and as a midfielder. However, his injury problems are showing no signs of slowing and it could prove even trickier to justify retaining his services if new signings are anticipated.

Smith Rowe came through the Arsenal academy and, as well as being an emotional sale, would therefore any fee received from his departure represents pure profit on their balance sheet, which will be key in allowing the club to splash the cash under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The higher powers may need to confirm that manager Mikel Arteta is willing to part ways with Smith Rowe though given that he heaped the praise on the No. 10 earlier this season, claiming that he ‘loves’ his technique and how he glides across the pitch.