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Arsenal told to sell Smith Rowe to fund Toney transfer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on December 29, 2023

Former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell has urged Mikel Arteta to sell Emile Smith Rowe in January to raise funds for Ivan Toney’s transfer.

The Gunners have enjoyed a stellar campaign so far this season. However, it has been suggested that the North London club lack qualities in the centre-forward position so they need to strengthen that area in order to challenge on all fronts.

It seems Arsenal have acknowledged that promise so they have started to explore the market to sign a new prolific goal-scorer. A few names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium with Toney being mentioned as the primary option.

However, it has been suggested that Brentford don’t want to let their star man leave for cheap and want at least £80m for him. But, Arsenal reportedly can’t afford to spend big in January as their winter budget has been restricted due to FFP regulations having splashed over £200m last summer.

Now, speaking on talkSPORT, Campbell has said that Arsenal have some pieces at their disposal that they can trade to raise funds for Toney’s transfer with Smith Rowe being one of them.

Pundit told Arsenal to sell Smith Rowe

The ex-Gunner also says that the North London club need to show ruthlessness in the winter window to bolster the squad.

Campbell said:

“There are some tradeable pieces. And against some of the better-natured Arsenal fans, who [when] a young player comes through the ranks, you don’t want to see players like Smith Rowe leave the club.

“But, if you’re going for a title, you have to be ruthless, you really have to be ruthless. And if you can move a couple of the players and then create that opportunity to get someone like Toney, then that’s what you’ve got to do.”

Smith Rowe has found himself on the periphery in recent times so it wouldn’t be a bad decision to sell him in January if they get a hefty fee. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arsenal eventually opt to cash-in on the Hale End graduate to raise funds for Toney’s transfer.