“It’s just amazing to see" - Emile Smith Rowe heaps praise on Arsenal star 'who turns a monster' on the pitch 

Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has heaped praise on Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka. The two share a close bond having come through the Gunners' youth ranks at the same time and eventually breaking into the first team.

Smith Rowe and Saka both made their first-team debuts for Arsenal in 2018 and both became key members of the side. However, Saka's career took a whole other trajectory while Smith Rowe saw his stock fall at the Emirates because of persistent injury problems.

Saka is currently one of the key figures on Mikel Arteta's side while Smith Rowe left for Fulham in the summer. The latter struggled for minutes during the past two seasons at the north London club but has enjoyed a solid start to life at Fulham.

Smith Rowe has hailed Bukayo Saka for how well he has progressed over the years. He has insisted the 23-year-old is not only a top-class player but also a great human being off the pitch. In an interview on Sky Sports, the 24-year-old said, as quoted by TBR Football:

“Starboy! Pretty easy to be fair, man. I’ve known him for so long, seeing how far he has come. An amazing person, everyone will tell you, he’s one of the nicest guys in football. But, as soon as he gets on the pitch, he just turns into an animal."

The Fulham attacking midfielder added:

“It’s just amazing to see. I’m so happy for him. He deserves everything. The stats don’t lie. At the end of the day, it’s the mentality he has as well – always wants to win, always wants to work hard, always wants to improve. He’s a real inspiration.”

Saka has been exceptional for Arsenal this season having contributed with nine goals and 13 assists in 23 appearances across competitions. He has already made 249 appearances for the Gunners having scored 67 goals and produced 65 assists.

Smith Rowe has scored three goals and provided two assists in 18 appearances for Fulham this season. Before his move to Craven Cottage, he made 115 appearances for Arsenal scoring 18 times and providing 13 assists.

---

Ian Wright urges Arsenal to make a move for Barcelona star

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has urged his former club to make a move for Barcelona attacking midfielder Dani Olmo in January. The European Championship 2024-winning Spain international faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou and could leave in January on a free transfer.

Olmo's temporary registration with Barcelona ends this month and they must now register him permanently if they have to play him. The Spaniard only joined the Catalan giants in the summer in a reported €55 million deal from RB Leipzig but have been unable to register him because of financial struggles.

Comparing Olmo's situation to that of Martin Odegaard at Real Madrid, Wright has urged the Gunners to make a move for the 26-year-old. The ex-Arsenal striker, as quoted by TBR Football:

“He’s got the vibe for me, Dani Olmo, that he needs a home. He needs a home, like how we gave Martin Odegaard. You need a home, Dani. Have you seen what’s happened with Martin Odegaard? He needs a home. Come to Arsenal. I’m telling you, you are exactly what we need, Dani."

Olmo has been pretty impressive for Barca upon his arrival from RB Leipzig having scored six goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances across competitions.