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Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has suggested that Arsenal could have used Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to replace club captain Martin Odegaard in the coming weeks.
Earlier on Monday (September 9), Odegaard picked up an ankle injury in Norway's 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Austria. The 25-year-old was replaced in the 67th minute of the contest and was pictured on crutches while boarding a private plane in Oslo this Tuesday.
Speaking recently to Norwegian outlet VG, Norway manager Stale Solbakken hinted that Odegaard's injury could prove to be a serious one. He said (h/t GiveMeSport):
"It looked bad in the dressing room too. He didn't have the nerve to continue. It is not certain that [Mikel] Arteta will call me tonight and praise me."
Now, Deeney has shared his honest thoughts on the former Real Madrid midfielder's recent injury issue. He told talkSPORT (h/t TBR):
"I think this is where the frustration for some Arsenal fans I know in terms of letting go of Emile Smith Rowe is. He is not the same player as Odegaard by any stretch, but he would certainly offer a bridge-gap at the moment. And now, you are going to look at probably dropping [Kai] Havertz back a bit, maybe put {Gabriel] Jesus in there, but I think he is injured as well as I am saying that."
Last month, Arsenal finalised a deal worth up to £34 million to offload Smith Rowe to Fulham. The Gunners youth product has started three of his four appearances across competitions for Fulham so far this season, scoring the opener in a 2-1 league win over Leicester City.
Arsenal urged to sign 22-year-old Brazilian
Speaking to betting website Gambling Zone, ex-Gunners star William Gallas urged his former club to launch a winter move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro. He said (h/t football.london):
"Joao Pedro could be the man to make a difference at Arsenal but it would be for next season. Even in January, it could be too late because Mikel Arteta needs the title this year. It would have to be a huge bid for Brighton to sell in January but they need a striker unless Gabriel Jesus can get fit and perform."
Pedro, 22, has scored two goals in three league games this season.
Since arriving from Watford for £30 million in 2023, Pedro has bagged 22 goals and recorded three assists in 43 overall outings for Brighton.
