ARSENAL have been warned not to let Emile Smith Rowe become another ‘Serge Gnabry’ by Ian Wright.
The Gunners legend fears Smith Rowe could be forced out if his place in the team is blocked by Willian and Nicolas Pepe.
Rising star Emile Smith Rowe has impressed for Arsenal in recent weeksCredit: Colorsport
Wright told Wrighty’s House Podcast: “It must be brilliant going into training at the moment for someone like Emile Smith Rowe.
“He’s somebody who has had his injuries, he’s gone on loan, he’s done his stuff. For me, Smith Rowe has paid his dues out there, waiting for his chance.
“I think that what Mikel (Arteta) has done now, the timing with which he’s done it, is absolutely perfect because I think if Smith Rowe doesn’t get into this team, at this stage, and they carry on doing what they’re doing and persisting with people who are not performing at the levels they should – whether it’s Willian or Pepe – I think you lose him.
“Especially with January being here, and then we’ve got a Serge Gnabry on our hands.”
Smith Rowe has made a big impression in recent weeks with the 20-year-old midfielder helping Arsenal mount a resurgence.
The talented youngster has started their last three matches, excelling for the Gunners, with wins over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom lifting them up the Premier League.
But Wright fears Smith Rowe could follow Gnabry’s path if his first-team path is blocked.
Serge Gnabry has surged to the top of the game since leaving ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Winger Gnabry barely featured at Arsenal and was loaned out to West Brom before moving to Germany.
Now considered one of the best attackers in the world, Gnabry is a key player for Champions League winners Bayern Munich.
Willian and Nicolas Pepe have both struggled to impress since their moves to Arsenal but have been out of the team during their three-match winning run.
Wright hopes Arsenal put their faith in Smith Rowe to remain in the side rather than risk losing the rising star.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
