Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe perfect replacement for Aaron Ramsey when he leaves after contract ends, insists legend Ray Parlour
The Welsh midfielder had a contract offer taken away earlier this campaign, and will depart the Emirates following ten years with the club
ARSENAL starlet Emile Smith Rowe is the perfect replacement for Aaron Ramsey when he leaves at the end of the season, insists Ray Parlour.
The Welsh midfielder had a contract offer taken away earlier this campaign, and will depart the Emirates following ten years with the club.
He was expected to sign fresh terms, but the North London club do not believe he is worth the wages the 27-year-old's team are demanding.
But Gunners legend Parlour believes academy graduate Smith Rowe, 18, can fill Ramsey's void if he continues his rapid progress.
And the Arsenal legend reckons his old side need to bring in a centre-back in January if they want to continue Unai Emery's revolution.
He said: “The obvious choice is centre-half. Koscielny is getting fit again now, but whether it has taken its toll with his injury, we will have to wait and see.
“I'm sure that will be the area. The midfield is pretty strong. Ramsey leaving give it a bit of a hole there, but if Smith Rowe can continue the progress he has been showing.”
Parlour also hailed the impact of 47-year-old Emery as Arsenal impress with their push to get back into the Champions League spots.
He added: “It's progress under Emery. It's all very positive, everyone is going the same way. The fans are behind them.
“Last season the fans weren't turning up and it was a poisoned chalice for everybody and something had to be done.
“There's a lot of hard work to do. You can't get carried away too much but it is progress and it is positive, it's brilliant.
“The supporters are happy and I just hope he can continue.”