Arsenal are asked to sell Emile Smith Rowe to raise funds to sign Ivan Toney. Former Aston Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor says the Gunners must do all they can to seal a deal for the Brentford striker next month.
Smith Rowe has made just one Premier League appearance for Arsenal since May 2022. Injuries have been a problem for the attacking midfielder, and he only returned last week after a knee problem.
It has been something of a fall from grace for Smith Rowe, as he has been relegated to the lower ranks of competition at club and international level. Mikel Arteta has reiterated several times that the 23-year-old remains part of his plans.
However, his lack of playing time tells a different story. Chelsea were linked with his transfer in the summer and his long-term future is in doubt.
Arsenal are reportedly looking for a striker in January, with Toney top of the wish list. Whether they can afford the fee Brentford would demand for the 27-year-old is not yet known.
However, Agbonlahor believes that Arsenal should be active and raise funds by selling Smith Rowe. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: ‘If I was Arsenal right now, behind the scenes I would do everything in my power in terms of financial fair play to make that happen.
“What can we do? Maybe we can sell Smith Rowe? Or we can sacrifice someone and get £35m to £40m for Smith Rowe.”
Arsenal fan and former Tottenham striker Darren Bent wondered whether Arteta should also sell Eddie Nketiah. He replied, “What about Eddie? Would you part with him?”
Agbonlahor thinks Arsenal could do a deal with Nketiah and Toney that would involve money and players. He added: “Yes, 100 per cent. If we could use Eddie Nketiah and say to Brentford, ‘Here you go’. Here’s £15-20 million for Ivan Toney or maybe £30 million. 100 per cent.”
Agbonalahor believes Toney would be a great striker who would fit perfectly into Arteta’s system. He continued, “Toney would be a very good player: he can run in behind. He is strong. Did you see the goal when he beat the goalkeeper from 30 metres? He can finish, he’s good in the air and he holds the ball well.
“Imagine him with Saka and Martinelli on the wings, Odegaard in the middle. Make sure you do that, you know Chelsea will try to do that.”