Arsenal will block summer exits of three players – Keith Wyness
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness believes Arsenal are keen to hold on to Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson for at least another season to provide depth in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs including the Gunners – suggested that the young trio are still enjoying their time in North London despite falling down the pecking order.
Arsenal find themselves in a title race once again this season alongside Manchester City and Liverpool and maintained the pace with a 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United on Monday night
However, Smith Rowe, Nketiah and Nelson have all had to accept roles as fringe players in Arteta’s squad with 47 league appearances between them this season.
All three young stars have been linked with a move away from North London since falling down Arteta’s pecking order.
Arsenal trio will stay put this summer despite interest – Keith Wyness
As revealed by Football Insider, Aston Villa and Newcastle United lead the race to sign Smith Rowe this summer.
However, Wyness believes Arsenal will want to keep hold of the trio next season to provide depth and competition in Arteta’s squad.
“No, they are going to be there for another season at least,” Wyness told Football Insider after being asked about the trio’s future.
“I think the beauty of this particular squad that Arteta’s built is that there is some relative depth there and I think that’s important for Arsenal.
“The depth wasn’t there in the years before.
“I don’t anticipate any of those three going this summer.
“I think they’re enjoying what they’re doing there.“
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