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      Three reasons Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade for Mikel Arteta both in defence and attack

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      TO SOME, the decision from Arsenal to sign the Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million has come as something of a surprise. This is a player after all who only moved back to Italy last summer having been forced to switch to Switzerland to join Basel in order to kickstart his career. Riccardo Calafiori in training after his £42m move to ArsenalCredit: GettyCalafiori had a breakthrough season for BolognaThere are also some who will point to the performances of Calafiori in the recent Euros as the prime motivating reason for Arsenal finalising the deal. Both groups, however, are missing the fact that Calafiori has long been highly-rated in the Italian game and, were it not for a near career-ending injury as a young player, he was touted as a future captain at his boyhood club Roma.Indeed, last season saw Calafiori fully emerge as one of the top young defensive prospects in the game having taken his chance early to establish himself in a Bologna side that ended up qualifying for the Champions League. It is these performances, as well as those over the summer with Italy, that convinced Arsenal and their notoriously detail-orientated coach Mikel Arteta that Calafiori was the defensive addition that their squad needed.read more on footballCalafiori is one of the most versatile defenders in the game at the moment both in terms of his position and the different roles that he can play.And given that Arteta can already call on the likes of Ben White and Jurrien Timber, who missed the entirety of his first season at the club due to injury, in defence and now with the addition of Calafiori they have another strong option in their back line. Indeed, there is an extremely strong possibility that Arsenal will look to use Calafiori as a left-back in the first instance.Let’s consider the key strengths of Calafiori’s game in order to better understand Arsenal’s reasons for completing the deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarrying the ballTowards the end of last season in Serie A Calafiori gave an interview in which he was asked which defenders in the game he modelled his game on. There is every chance that the interviewer thought that Calafiori would answer with one of the great Italian defenders of the game. Perhaps Giorgio Chiellini or Paolo Maldini. Instead, Calafiori namechecked the English international John Stones. Calafiori is comfortable moving into the midfieldThe Italian star is equally comfortable at left back, as against Roma, or at centre backCalafiori went into greater detail mentioning that he appreciated the way that Stones stepped into midfield and recognised that this was a result of coaching instruction. Those of you that followed the Italian national team in the Euros will have seen Calafiori making this kind of run as he drove forward with the ball late in the game against Croatia and ended up setting up the late equaliser. What is key for Calafiori, and indeed for Arteta, is that the Italian defender is comfortable stepping into the midfield from either a centre back or left back position.Calafiori is the last defender for Bologna but has the confidence to drive in possession and to outplay the first striker before then moving into an advanced position.Earlier in his career Calafiori either played at left-back or as a left-sided central defender in a back three. It was Thiago Motta, his coach last season at Bologna, who convinced Calafiori that he had the skill set to play in a back four system. At Arsenal next season we expect to see the Italian used, at least in the first instance, as a left-back although I would expect him to play the position in an inverted style moving more into central areas in the midfield when Arsenal are in possession.In these situations the Italian defender is comfortable receiving and playing and breaking lines through his passing ability.For Arteta though it is likely more important that when he moves into midfield Calafiori is extremely strong at the moment of defensive transitions when the opposition try to counter attack quickly.Playing as left-back Calafiori is a position where a lot of natural defenders would look for a quick forward pass. Instead, the Italian drives inside and then forward to attack spaceAs a line breaking runner from the defensive line Calafiori will bring a lot to this Arsenal side.Passing abilityAs well as being comfortable in possession when driving out and breaking lines through carries and dribbles, Calafiori is also a modern defender who can pass progressively and move the ball through the lines. While on the right-hand side Arteta has typically utilised Ben White in this position there is no doubt that Calafiori is a more aggressive passer than the Englishman.There were times last season that Arsenal had almost become too functional with no real creativity when playing from the first third into the middle third. Calafiori will bring a more consistent sense of ball progression from the first-line than Arteta had last season from his options across the back four.Calafiori has the quality in possession to play a longer driven pass that breaks the lines of the opposition defence and releases a teammate attacking into spaceCrucially, when moving forward in possession of the ball Calafiori is not a player who will simply play to the next line with a safe passing profile that sees the ball move to the next available player. He has more range to his game than that with the ability to play longer switches of play or driven passes that break the last line to release players in behind.It has to be said, of course, that this kind of passing profile will lead to a less impressive pass completion percentage as more of his passes have a higher level of risk attached to them. This is part of the risk/reward that coaches have to consider when they have a more aggressive and progressive passer as part of their defensive unit.Calafiori steps forward with the ball at his feet but instead of dribbling and looking to attract pressure towards the ball, he plays a longer pass to release a midfielder making a movement to attack and occupy spaceHis array of passing was impressive at the EurosHe didn’t miss a single pass against Juventus last seasonHaving a player with the passing profile of Calafiori in the defensive unit will give Arteta and his coaching staff more options in terms of the way that they build the attack.Defending 1v1For all that Calafiori is a player who is very modern in his profile as a defender he is still a defender first and foremost and an Italian defender at that. He has the physical profile, listed at 6’2”, to defend against Premier League attackers but it is his positioning and reading of the game when he is defending that really stands out.He is equally comfortable when asked to defend in space as the more reactive defender or when he is asked to defend tight to the opposition attacking players as the more proactive defensive player. This is why although he is likely to start at left-back he already has the ability and the skill set to play as a central defender for Arteta. Indeed, his skill set would be a very good match as a partner to William Saliba in the RCB role.Calafiori reads the threat as the ball is played into the front side of the penalty area and wins the duel, comfortably clearing the ballAs a defender Calafiori is quick and aggressive when it comes to entering in direct defensive duels with opposition strikers. His initial positioning is typically very good and this allows him to get an advantage in attacking the zones that passes or crosses are played into. In this regard the Italian matches the way that the likes of Saliba and Gabriel defend currently for Arsenal with Arteta favouring defensive players who have the ability to defend tight and in space equally well.Napoli look to release Victor Osimhan but as soon as the pass is played, however, Calafiori moves to intercept and out muscles the Nigerian forwardCalafiori was dominant for Italy against Albania at the EurosThere is little doubt that from a defensive point of view the addition of Calafiori will be an upgrade on the options that Arteta had from left-back last season. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe may also represent one of the stronger defensive options for the team at centre back as well.ConclusionWhile some may think that Arsenal have signed Calafiori purely on the basis of his performances at the Euros the truth is that he has been a defender of interest to the wider game for a lot longer than that.  More

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      Arsenal breakthrough star closing in on LaLiga transfer after move to EFL club hijacked at last-minute

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      ARSENAL keeper Karl Hein is on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Valladolid on loan.The Spanish club have swooped in late to nab the Gunners No3 after League One Charlton had shown an interest.Karl Hein is set for a loan move to Real ValladolidCredit: GettyHein, 22, started all three of Arsenal’s pre-season games in the States with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale enjoying an extended break after their Euros antics.But having signed a new deal in June, it was always the plan for Hein to go out on loan this season for some much-needed first-team experience.Valladolid are owned by former Brazil striker, Ronaldo, who knows Arsenal’s sporting director Edu from their playing days.The Estonia international was particularly impressive against Bournemouth in LA last month, saving two penalties in a spot-kick victory over the Cherries after a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the second loan spell of Hein’s time at Arsenal after spending six months with Reading during the 2021-22 season.Questions remain over No2 Ramsdale, who is also looking for more first-team football after being axed as No1 last season in place of Spaniard Raya.Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle and Southampton in the past.But he looks likely to be involved in the Emirates Cup this week as Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and Lyon on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMikel Arteta’s men kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 17.They follow that up with a trip to Aston Villa, before games against Brighton, Tottenham and Manchester City.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s wild dancing after guiding France to Olympics 2024 finalArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Mikel Arteta was happy to axe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil but Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal goodbye was different

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      REGRETS? Mikel Arteta has had very few during his Arsenal tenure – especially when it comes to moving on players.Bad eggs have had their contracts ripped up. Think Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were booted out by Mikel ArtetaCredit: ReutersArteta had a close bond with Granit Xhaka before last summer’s departureCredit: GettyAgeing stars have been allowed to leave on a free. Think Willian, David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac.Money has also been made to make way for the future. Think Emiliano Martinez, Bernd Leno, Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith Rowe.And yet, there is perhaps one goodbye that is still on the mind of Arteta on the eve of an intriguing North London reunion this week – Granit Xhaka.Ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Emirates Cup clash with the Gunners tomorrow, the Switzerland international will play at his old stomping ground for the first time since last summer’s £21.4m move back to Germany.read more arsenalXhaka – who signed for Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in May 2016 for £30m – returns with a Bundesliga title to his name having played a starring role in an unbeaten domestic campaign under boss Xabi Alonso.In contrast, Arteta’s Arsenal fell short in their Premier League title push for a second successive term behind Manchester City – the most recent without Xhaka in their ranks.Would Xhaka’s leadership and experience have made the difference?It has hard to say, but it is a debate that has gained momentum following his stunning performances for the Swiss at the Euros that had German outlets calling for a Ballon d’Or nomination.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is no doubt that Arteta lost one of his most important dressing room generals, one that demanded excellence, acted as a perfect go-between from dug-out to pitch, and one whose own renaissance in an Arsenal shirt sums up the Spanish coach’s impact at the club.Arteta and Arsenal were torn over the future of Xhaka towards the end of the 2022/23 season – a player who had transformed into an integral cog in a more advanced midfield role.They did not want him to leave, but unwilling to hand a long-term deal to a 30-year-old as they planned for a window that included the £105m capture of a 24-year-old Declan Rice.With 12 months left on his deal, with a club-option to extend, Arsenal and Xhaka decided to part ways after a sit-down chat with sporting director Edu.The midfielder said recently: “I was a bit sad, but also quite happy because I didn’t like that uncertainty.“The length of the Leverkusen contract [five years] gives me security. I’m not someone who likes to play poker… I like peace and order.”Xhaka was booed off by Arsenal fans in October 2019Credit: ReutersArsenal could put out as strong starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen-Xhaka will likely receive a grand reception back at the Emirates, much like the one he had on his 297th and final appearance for the club, scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Wolves in May 2023 before being subbed to a standing ovation.Four years earlier, those same fans had booed him off in the 61st minute of a draw at home to Crystal Palace in October 2019.Upon leaving the pitch, Xhaka told them to “f**k off” and stormed down the tunnel, an incident that saw him stripped of the captaincy by then-manager Unai Emery.Two months later, Emery was sacked and Arteta was in, with convincing Xhaka to stay one of the first tasks the former midfielder set himself.Xhaka explained: “When I met [Mikel] for the first time, my bags were already packed and I was about to hop on a plane. With my heart and soul, I had already left the club.“The club showed me little respect even though I was the captain. It was clear they wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible, apart from one person: Mikel Arteta.”Ignoring the advice of his friends and family, Xhaka stayed.Arteta would then bring about a career revival that no one saw coming, not least the Arsenal faithful.Xhaka added: “Arsenal supporters sometimes can take a bit of persuading to change their minds. But at the end, I won them around.”Arteta also owes much to Xhaka, a player he could rely on during the tough times and who stepped up and raised his game in the good times.It could be argued that Arsenal’s midfield is all the better for Xhaka leaving. Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard are a formidable pair with Jorginho and Thomas Partey adding the extras.But Arteta had a bond with Xhaka that is hard to replace. How he would love to still be able to call upon his services, even if the player himself would not accept a role from the bench.Of all the players he has let go, Arteta has rarely issued an emotional farewell statement, but for Xhaka he did, saying: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. “It has been an incredible journey for him and he has given absolutely everything.“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years.”Xhaka returned to the Emirates as a supporter last December to witness Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, signing autographs from his car on arrival.Yet this time, he will be granted a welcome home from out of the shadows, even after a recent cheeky remark where he stated leaving Arsenal was a “step forward” in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe still is an avid watcher of Arsenal games, and remains in contact with assistant coach Carlos Cuesta and old teammates Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.Expect a warm embrace of Arteta tomorrow too – the man who no doubt wishes Xhaka’s Arsenal story did not have to end so soon. 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      Arsenal boss Arteta to make late call on Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale in Emirates Cup after Euros break

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      MIKEL ARTETA will make a late call on whether to include his England trio in Arsenal’s Emirates Cup clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale – as well as Spain’s David Raya and France’s William Saliba – joined back up with the squad at London Colney for training on Sunday morning.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to Arsenal training on SundayCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale was also pictured by at London ColneyCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba could make an appearance against LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe five North London stars enjoyed an extended break following the Euros while Arteta took the club on their 10-day tour of the United States from July 21, facing Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.Four of them had been involved in England’s Euros final defeat to Spain in Berlin on July 14, while Saliba was a part of Les Bleus’ disappointing exit at the semi-finals.With 12 days to go until Arsenal’s Prem opener at home to Wolves, Arteta will want the spine of his team ready to go, having completed personal training regimes while on their holiday.And they were put through their paces with individual fitness tests back at Colney before being seen in good spirits as they took part in some small-sided drills.read more arsenalArteta was pictured embracing Saka upon his return, while the five were in fits of giggles as they were given the traditional ‘head-slapping’ tunnel treatment by the rest of their teammates on the training pitch.The question remains whether Arteta will risk throwing them back into a competitive match as they welcome Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions Leverkusen to the Emirates this week before playing Lyon on Sunday.It is worth noting that Germany’s Kai Havertz and Brazil pair Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli did not travel out to the States until July 26 after their own Euros and Copa America action.And 48 hours later, they were all second half substitutes in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over United out in Los Angeles.Most read in FootballDavid Raya is gearing up for his first competitive appearance in over a monthCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSo, there is a high chance Rice, Saka and Saliba will not only be included in the squad but will play some part against Leverkusen – either as a starter or from the bench.Rice played every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes, while Saka was on the pitch for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games.New video reveals Riccardo Calafiori was at Arsenal SEVEN MONTHS before Italian signed in £42m transferSaliba also started and played every minute of France’s run to the semis.Arteta could be tempted to start Ramsdale in goal, despite his links with a move away this summer, given the Three Lions keeper failed to play a single minute at the Euros.Arsenal No.1 Raya also had limited game time in Germany, featuring in just one 90-minute clash in a dead-rubber group stage clash against Albania on June 24.In comparison, current No.3 Karl Hein played every minute in the States.Arteta has a near-fully fit squad to choose from against Leverkusen, with only Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) missing the summer tour – the latter likely to leave the club in the coming weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESJurrien Timber – back after suffering an ACL rupture in last term’s Prem opener – played all but one of the U.S. matches, rested for the Liverpool clash as a precautionary measure.Riccardo Calafiori could make his full debut after his £42m move from Bologna. The versatile left-footed Italian defender joined up with the States group after signing on July 29 but was only a spectator.Arsenal have a tricky start to their 2024/25 Prem campaign More

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      Rice and Saka spotted in Arsenal training for first time after extended holiday following England Euro 2024 final run

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      DECLAN RICE was all smiles as he returned for his first Arsenal training session since the Euro 2024 final.The Gunners midfielder, 25, joined England colleagues Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale back at London Colney.Bukayo Saka returned for his first training session of preseasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice also returned from his holidaysCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba returned to Arsenal’s London Colney training base this weekCredit: GettyFrance centre-half William Saliba was also in action for the first time since the summer festival of football.The quartet were allowed an extended break after a busy tournament at Euro 2024 – which started four weeks after the Premier League season ended.Saliba took a well deserved break in Sardinia with his girlfriend Sandra Shehab after playing every minute of Arsenal’s Prem campaign, in which they fell agonisingly short to Manchester City – again.While Rice was pictured partying in Ibiza with Ivan Toney and Luke Shaw days after England’s Euros final heartbreak.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRice and Saka started every game for the Three Lions, while Saliba played the full 90 in every French game.Goalkeeper Ramsdale did not receive any minutes under Gareth Southgate, but trained alongside Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.Only Saka and Rice featured in England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final, but all players were granted the time off.France failed to live up to expectations, crashing out of the semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat to Spain.Most read in FootballAaron Ramsdale returned to training after his month offCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt means all four missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, which meant they couldn’t wave off Emile Smith Rowe who left midway through for Fulham.The summer warm-up games have been a mixed bag for Mikel Arteta with Arsenal having won, lost and drawn one each.Emile Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal to join Fulham in £XXmillion transfer after 14 years with GunnersThey drew 1-1 with Bournemouth but beat Manchester United 2-1 in LA, before losing an expedition penalty shootout to the latter.The Gunners’ final game across the pond saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho.Arsenal will play Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 at the Emirates Stadium.But this might come too soon for Saka, Saliba, Rice and Ramsdale.Before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Wolves at home on August 17.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Championship club targeting shock move for 36-year-old ex-Arsenal veteran 12 years on from loan transfer spell

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      HULL are looking into a shock move for veteran keeper Vito Mannone — 12 seasons after his second loan spell with the Tigers.Mannone, 36, is a target for the Humberside club who currently plays in France with Lille.Hull are looking to bring Vito Mannone back for a third spellCredit: GettyVito Mannone spent seven years on the books at ArsenalCredit: GettyHull are looking to add to their goalkeeping ranks after selling Ryan Allsop to Birmingham and Matt Ingram to Oxford.Mannone has been used sparingly making only six appearances, three of those coming in the Europa Conference League, for the Ligue 1 outfit.A move to Hull could provide him with one last opportunity for first-team football – but a fee has not been drawn up yet.The Italian was an Arsenal hopeful before being loaned out to the Tigers in 2010 after being an understudy to Wojciech Szczesny.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe played 31 times in two stints with the Tigers, and has a year left on his deal in Northern France.But he’s readiness could be called into question after being limited to a mere 50 appearances in the past five seasons.His Championship record speaks for itself, with the former Gunners keeper conceding just 99 goals in 80 appearances.Currently, they have Ivor Pandur, Timothee Lo-Tutala and Harvey Cartwright as all possible options, ahead of their season opener against Bristol City next week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut none of them have ever played second-tier football before.Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Reading in their final friendly of the summer, boss Tim Walter admitted again that the goalkeeping position was an area to strengthen, as was everywhere else.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe said: “We can talk especially about this player or this position, but we need players in every position we need a progression.”I have to wait and I have to stay strong and it’s what I did but losing games, I’m not happy about it.”Vito Mannone’s impressive careerAfter finishing his second spell at Hull, Mannone signed a two-year contract with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.The shot-stopper was then picked up by Reading for £2million on a three-year deal.But in January 2019, he joined MLS side Minnesota United on a one-year loan – winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for his troubles.He’s since been shipped around three different Ligue 1 clubs – first joining Monaco, before Lorient and then Lille on a permanent deal in August 2023.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Watch Iwobi gatecrash Smith Rowe’s medical with X-rated blooper as Arsenal fans say ‘I’m watching Fulham this season’

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      NEW Fulham singing Emile Smith Rowe saw his medical gatecrashed by two of his former Arsenal team-mates.Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno together interrupted Smith-Rowe’s examination after the midfielder completed his £34m move to West London.Emile Smith Rowe is interrupted during his Fulham medical by his former Arsenal team-mates Bernd Leno & Alex Iwobi. 🥹❤️🗣️ “F*cking hurry up, mate! Ay, you seen the swearing, take that out!” 🤣🎬🎥 @FulhamFC pic.twitter.com/EdiHLBXlgv— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 4, 2024

      Bernd Leno welcomed Emile Smith-Rowe to FulhamCredit: X / FulhamFCThe goalkeeper interrupted Smith-Rowe’s medical to do soCredit: X / FulhamFCBefore another one of Smith-Rowe’s former Arsenal team-mates Alex Iwobi joined the gatecrashCredit: X / FulhamFCSmith Rowe, 24, left Arsenal’s preseason tour in the USA to fly back to London on Friday, as he seeks regular first-team football.And Mikel Arteta joined fans in being sad to see the Hale End academy graduate go – but noted it was essential to his development.But as sorry as they were to see him go, two Fulham star’s are elated to see him arrive – so-much-so that they showed up to the midfielder’s medical.In behind the scenes footage posted to the official Fulham YouTube channel, Smith Rowe could be seen undergoing an entrance assessment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLeno was the first to enter the room and hugged a shirtless Smith-Rowe, saying: “Good to see you. You’re finally here.”Before Iwobi came into the frame as Smith-Rowe was stretching and jokingly said, while giving him a hug: “F****** hurry up mate. What you saying? He was enjoying America.Then, after catching himself on camera Iwobi added: “You see the swearing. Forget that. Take that out.”Craven Cottage has become a popular destination for former Arsenal stars to go and get their careers back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLike Smith Rowe, Iwobi, 28, came through the Gunners’ academy system.He joined Fulham for an undisclosed fee last September after impressing during his four-year spell Everton, helping the Toffees stay afloat in the Premier League. Arsenal star David Raya shows off new look after undergoing hair transplantGerman goalkeeper Leno only left Arsenal in the summer of 2022, and regularly shared the pitch with Smith Rowe.Meanwhile, Willian rehabilitated his reputation with a spell at Fulham after his disastrous Arsenal stint.And fans absolutely loved the endearing interaction.One Gunners faithful wrote: “I’m gonna watch Fulham next season.”A second said: “I’m so saddened about Smith-Rowe leaving. We love you.”A third added: “That’s a proper football reunion right there!”Before another joked: “Fulham now is Arsenal B side. Please do it for us against our rivals.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Wenger was too loyal to his Arsenal favourites… but Arteta dumping Smith Rowe shows he’s more like Pep, say Parlour

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      MIKEL ARTETA proved he is as ­“ruthless” as mentor Pep Guardiola by selling yet another Arsenal academy star.But Gunners legend Ray Parlour urged Fulham-bound Emile Smith Rowe to prove the club’s boss wrong by reclaiming a spot in the England team.Mikel Arteta let Emile Smith Rowe leave after falling down the pecking orderCredit: AFPRay Parlour has had his say on the dealCredit: GettySmith Rowe, 24, joined the Cottagers for £27million — plus £7m in add-ons — after falling out of favour with Arteta owing to injuries and a drop in form.His is the latest homegrown exit from the Emirates during Arteta’s tenure, following Joe Willock’s £25m switch to Newcastle in August 2021 and Folarin Balogun’s £35m Monaco deal in August last year.Academy product Parlour — who lifted three Prem titles and four FA Cups in 15 years at Arsenal — wants the Spaniard to give more kids a first-team chance.But the former midfielder compared Arteta to Manchester City chief Guardiola in refusing to let sentiment cloud his judgement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParlour, 51, said: “Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out.“It could be argued that in my time, Arsene Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless.“Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones.“I doubted him for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya but now no one talks about it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta played under Wenger at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spaniard was later assistant to Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA“Fair play to him for having the balls to leave people out and sell them.”Smith Rowe made just 13 Prem appearances last term and won the last of his three senior Three Lions caps in March 2022.Arsenal confirm £42m Riccardo Calafiori transfer from Bologna after defender passes medical and joins squad in the USSpeaking to SunSport via Netbet Sports Betting, Parlour added: “The deal is great for both parties. Fulham are getting an excellent player and Smith Rowe has a good opportunity to prove Arteta wrong.“If he puts his head down, stays fit, works hard and gets back into that form he showed at Arsenal, he could be pushing back into England’s squad.”A dozen Arsenal academy hopefuls joined the seniors on their pre-season tour of the United States, including 17-year-olds Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ayden Heaven.But the exits of 19-year-old pair Amario Cozier-Duberry to Brighton and Reuell Walters to Luton were met with surprise.And 16-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin — who scored 32 goals for Arsenal’s Under-18s last season — has rejected a new deal.Parlour added: “I hope a few more come through the academy but the standard has gone up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be very special, like Bukayo Saka, to even think about getting into the first team.“They have a good squad — one that can win the Premier League.”Smith Rowe signed for Fulham this weekCredit: Rex More