Arsenal Hit the Jackpot With “Pure Talent” Who’s Now Worth Way More Than Smith Rowe – Opinion
The transfer window for Arsenal has been relatively uneventful so far this summer, though recent developments suggest that things are starting to pick up.
One of the most significant stories for the Gunners has been the protracted transfer of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, which now appears to be nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Arsenal seems to be making headway in their pursuit of Mikel Merino and has reportedly initiated discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Fabian Ruiz.
On the other hand, the potential departure of Emile Smith Rowe has generated considerable discussion among Arsenal supporters in recent days.
Smith Rowe, a product of the Hale End academy, is expected to leave the club soon, potentially joining Fulham in West London for a fee of approximately £35 million.
Although Arsenal rejected a £30 million offer last week, the latest bid was deemed acceptable due to the lack of a clear path back into the first team for Smith Rowe. As Fulham’s record signing, the deal appears favorable for Arsenal.
Despite this, there is a noticeable sense of disappointment among fans. Smith Rowe’s journey from the academy to the first team was marred by injuries, and his departure is seen as a bittersweet moment, especially given the fond memories of his early success at the Emirates alongside Bukayo Saka.
During his 115 matches with the North London team, he recorded 18 goals and 13 assists. His exit will allow one player to stand out more prominently, a player whose current value has risen substantially compared to his initial cost.
Martin Odegaard’s Valuation in 2024
The player in question is Martin Odegaard, the club captain of Arsenal, who was acquired by the team for approximately £30 million when he transferred permanently from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.
At that time, some fans expressed concerns that signing the Norwegian international—whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “pure talent“—might hinder the development of Emile Smith Rowe. Now, three years later, Odegaard has become the club captain, and Smith Rowe is poised to leave.
Moreover, Odegaard’s value has significantly increased. The CIES Football Observatory estimates his worth at up to an impressive €128 million, which is about £108 million, or roughly £73 million more than Smith Rowe’s valuation.
Although this price tag is substantial, it reflects Odegaard’s outstanding performances and strong leadership over the past few years.
To illustrate, in 153 appearances for Arsenal, the 25-year-old has scored 34 goals and provided 38 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.77 games.
| Ødegaard’s Arsenal career | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 |
| Appearances | 20 | 40 | 45 | 48 |
| Goals | 2 | 7 | 15 | 11 |
| Assists | 2 | 5 | 7 | 11 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.20 | 0.30 | 0.48 | 0.45 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | ||||
Considering his age and the consistent improvement he has shown each year at the Emirates, there’s no reason to believe that his remarkable development will slow down anytime soon, which is an exciting prospect.
The thought of Smith Rowe playing for another club next season is indeed a somber one for many Arsenal fans, given his deep connection with the team.
However, they can take comfort in knowing they already have a world-class attacking midfielder in Odegaard, poised to guide them toward future success.
In other Arsenal news, “Really Good” – Mikel Arteta Reacts to Arsenal Star’s Performance After Pre-season Win v Man United
