Paul Merson urges Arteta to start youngster in every game

Emile Smith Rowe urged to start in every Arsenal game.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson urges Arteta to select Smith Rowe in every game until the end of the season.

The 20-year old playmaker has recently been a regular in the first-team squad and Arteta needs to decide whether the youngster would be Arsenal’s creative player in the middle of the park.

“I don’t like the word but Arsenal are in transition,” Merson said.

“I don’t like it because if it doesn’t go well, then what? I thought when Mikel Arteta first came in, he did well to get the people he didn’t want out of the club. People who were on big wages and who weren’t playing, but now he has got to be planning for next season.

“He shouldn’t be worrying if Arsenal finish 14th. He should be looking to get as many games out of Emile Smith Rowe to decide if he’s going to be playing next season.

“Nicolas Pepe is right to be getting the games now as he looks a better player than when he arrived. It’s about seeing who’s going to be right for next season.”

The Gunners also signed Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid in order to fortify their creative options and will be pushing hard for Smith Rowe’s place.

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