Paul Parker, a former defender for Manchester United, has warned Arsenal that it was a mistake to transfer Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in the summer.

WHAT OCCURRED?
Smith-Rowe signed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage after Arsenal traded him to Fulham in the summer for an estimated £34 million ($44 million). Fulham is currently in seventh place in the Premier League standings, and Smith Rowe has had some great form under Marco Silva so far this season, scoring three goals and dishing out two assists in 11 games.

THE MAJOR IMAGE

In contrast, Arsenal has had difficulty regaining the form they have had during the previous two seasons. Due to a lack of opportunities, the Gunners have struggled for midfield control. Former Manchester United defender Parker has criticized Arsenal players Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, telling them that they made a mistake by trading Smith Rowe. At the moment, the Gunners trail leaders Liverpool by nine points.

WHAT PARKER SAID

Speaking to football365 and bettingexpert.com: “I believe that Arsenal needs players like him (Emile Smith-Rowe) more than they need Saka and Martinelli. Saka is overpriced and frequently appears injured, particularly when Arsenal is trailing in a game.

He and Odegaard would have been a fantastic team, but once more, I believe that his departure was the right one for both him and Arsenal at the time, even though circumstances may have altered since then. Although he is a fantastic player, I don’t believe Arsenal regrets selling him. It’s always simple to argue that, given his ailments, they ought to have kept him, but he desired more playing time, which Arsenal did not provide.

Despite their differences as athletes, I believe he is superior to Martinelli. He is simply amazing at running with the ball and making sure it stays on the turf. He has a bright future and is an amazing player.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Smith Rowe ship has already sailed and there is no time for Mikel Arteta to mull over Parker’s words as he will prepare to lead Arsenal in their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 23.