Former Arsenal Striker Delivers Harsh Verdict on Young Defender
In a surprising intervention, ex-Arsenal forward Alan Smith has publicly suggested that the North London club should consider offloading promising young full-back Ben Fleming during the upcoming summer transfer window. Smith's comments come despite Fleming signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal just last year, tying him to the Emirates Stadium until 2030.
A Promising Start Followed by Limited Opportunities
The 19-year-old defender enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign last season, making an impressive 39 appearances across all competitions after rising through Arsenal's esteemed youth academy alongside fellow prospect Ethan Nwaneri. His performances were deemed strong enough to warrant that significant contract extension, marking him as a player for the future.
However, the current season has presented different challenges for the teenager. Fleming has found regular first-team football much harder to secure, with manager Mikel Arteta seemingly preferring Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori in the left-back position. This campaign, Fleming has managed just a single Premier League start, though he did feature in Arsenal's recent Champions League victory over Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro stadium.
Smith's Scathing Assessment of Defensive Capabilities
Speaking exclusively to BestBettingSites.co.uk, Smith did not hold back in his criticism of the young defender's abilities, particularly focusing on perceived defensive shortcomings. "He is just not good enough defensively," Smith stated bluntly. "He's been brought up as a midfielder, and when he's had 1v1s, he has struggled. For example, when Frimpong was up against him in the Liverpool game, because he's not the quickest either, and he's not a natural defender."
The former striker expanded on his reasoning, suggesting Fleming faces intense competition for his position. "He's got three players in front of him who can all defend better. So, looking forward to the summer, I think it might be a case of selling him, for PSR and all that, being a youth team player, it's pure profit. So, unfortunately, I think he might have to leave the club."
Smith's reference to "PSR" relates to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, which make the sale of academy graduates particularly financially advantageous for clubs, as such transfers count as pure profit on their accounts.
Club's Stance and Player's Determination
Despite Fleming's limited minutes this season, Arsenal demonstrated their commitment to the player during the January transfer window by reportedly rejecting loan approaches from several other Premier League clubs. This indicates the club still values his potential and sees him as part of their long-term plans.
The player himself remains determined to fight for his place in the squad. After his Champions League start against Inter Milan, Fleming spoke positively about his mindset. "I think every time I get the chance to start, I see it as an opportunity," the teenager told Amazon Prime. "Even when I come on, for me, it's just impacting the game and helping the team out in any way I can. And I'm glad I was able to help out today."
Fleming emphasized his professional approach to the situation, acknowledging the squad's depth while maintaining his readiness. "All I can do is control the controllables. And every time I get the opportunity to play, as a team, the depth that we have as a squad is really strong. We all have that mentality that when we come in, we've got to do the job. I think that's how we carry ourselves."
The young defender also praised the atmosphere within the Arsenal dressing room, describing it as "so special" and highlighting the "energy" and "harmony" among the players. "Honestly, this has been amazing being part of the team," he added, suggesting he remains fully integrated within the squad despite his limited playing time.
Immediate Focus on Premier League Campaign
Arsenal's attention now turns to their upcoming Premier League fixture, as they prepare to host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. The match represents another crucial moment in their title challenge, with manager Michael Carrick bringing his United side to North London.
Smith's comments have certainly sparked debate among Arsenal supporters and football analysts alike, raising questions about the club's strategy regarding their talented academy products and how they balance immediate squad needs with long-term player development. The summer transfer window will reveal whether Arsenal's hierarchy shares Smith's assessment or whether they continue to invest in Fleming's potential at the Emirates.
