Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has questioned Arsenal’s decision to sell Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham during the summer transfer window, suggesting that the midfielder could have been more valuable to the Gunners than Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka.
Since joining Fulham for a reported £34 million ($44m) on a five-year deal, Smith Rowe has been in fine form under Marco Silva. The attacking midfielder has contributed three goals and two assists in 11 Premier League appearances, helping Fulham secure seventh place in the standings.
Parker’s Comments on Arsenal’s Decision
Speaking about the transfer, Parker said:
“Players like him are what Arsenal need more than Martinelli and Saka. Saka is a bit overrated and always seems injured, especially when Arsenal are behind in a match.”
He also highlighted the potential Smith Rowe could have had alongside Martin Ødegaard:
“Him and Ødegaard together would have been a great duo. It was probably the right decision for him to leave at the time, but things might have changed now. He is a brilliant player, but I don’t think Arsenal are regretting the sale—yet.”
