New kid on the block is about to save Arsenal millions.

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

It has been revealed this week that Fulham are close to finalising a deal with Arsenal to sign Emile Smith Rowe. Expected to be worth up to £35 million, this deal represents Fulham's largest acquisition and Arsenal's highest sale.

When asked why Smith Rowe didn't play in the pre-season friendly against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta admitted, "There are things happening in the background and we decided the best thing to do was to keep him away."

Every Gooner has an opinion on the Hale End graduate's departure but most would agree that a player's exit is a golden opportunity for another player to shine.

And Ethan Nwaneri is certainly a natural and logical replacement for Emile Smith Rowe next season.

It's reported that the 17-year-old is highly regarded by the Arsenal technical bench and they want to begin integrating him into the senior squad. He is likely to play as an attacking midfielder (8).

Lets look at the stats for Arsenal's first preseason game (Vs, Bournemouth) which are more representative as the Hale End star played almost the whole game.

He put up a very mature performance :

• 84 minutes played 
• 89% passing accuracy rate (31/35) 
• 2 chances created (highest)
• 2 successful dribbles 
• 100% accurate tackle rate (2/2)
• Winning 6 duels 

And he put in a similar performance against Man utd for the first half before being substituted.

Nwaneri, who holds the record for the youngest PL debutant, made his Arsenal debut in September 2022 in a 3-0 victory against Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days.

If he is to fill the shoes Smith Rowe leaves behind while carving his spot in Arteta's team next season, he must seize the opportunities that will undoubtedly be given to him.

And who knows, following Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, he could be the next outstanding Hale End star to take the Emirates Stadium by storm.