Crystal Palace are looking to bolster their attacking ranks over the summer transfer window, with Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe the latest name linked with a move.
It comes as the club begin life after Michael Olise, who left Crystal Palace to join Bayern Munich in a deal worth £50.8million.
The 22-year-old scored ten goals and assisted six in an injury-hit Premier League season that saw him make just 19 appearances.
Replacing that quality won’t be easy, giving Dougie Freedman and the rest of the recruitment team a huge challenge.
With that in mind, the latest name that has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park is Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe.
The 23-year-old has predominantly played on the left or as an attacking midfielder since breaking into the first-team with the Gunners.
Recent reports have stated that Crystal Palace have had an initial bid rejected for Smith Rowe, with Fulham also competing for his signature.
While it could be a move that the Eagles pursue further, there is one key problem that may prevent a deal.
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Emile Smith Rowe injury history
Considering the fee involved for Smith Rowe, which would make him one of the most expensive signings in Crystal Palace’s history, some concerns need to be addressed.
The main one surrounds the injury history of the Arsenal star, who has struggled in recent seasons with those issues.
According to Transfermarkt, Smith Rowe has suffered five injuries that have lasted over 90 days since the 2018/19 season.
A recurring groin injury has accounted for three of those, with surgery on the issue in 2022 keeping him out for over 120 days.
Two whole seasons have passed since Smith Rowe has been a regular player in the Arsenal team, which will also raise concerns over his ability to reach the heights again.
In all, it may be an expensive gamble that could backfire if Crystal Palace aren’t able to take the 23-year-old back to that level he can hit.
Emile Smith Rowe value
While it may be an expensive deal, the reality is that if Smith Rowe can rediscover his best form and stay injury-free, then the move could work out to be a bargain.
However, the move itself doesn’t make much sense for Crystal Palace at this stage due to several different reasons.
Not only are there the injury concerns and the transfer fee involved, but his profile isn’t exactly that of a replacement for Olise.
Smith Rowe is right-footed, often favouring the left wing or central spaces as opposed to the right wing and cutting in.
In this instance, the Arsenal academy graduate would be a better replacement for Eberechi Eze, who has admirers but is still a Palace player.
It remains to be seen whether a deal will be pursued, but it may be one that makes little sense for the current setup at Selhurst Park.
