Reiss Nelson says Arsenal sold a player this summer who’s good enough to play for Real Madrid

Reiss Nelson has made an interesting claim about Emile Smith Rowe after the midfielder left Arsenal this summer.

Smith Rowe joined Fulham for £34m in the summer transfer window, and it’s fair to say that selling the England international was a tough decision for Arsenal.

Indeed, Smith Rowe was a fan favourite academy graduate, and Mikel Arteta was a big fan of the player before he left.

Smith Rowe described leaving Arsenal as the most difficult decision of his career, but after a couple of years on the bench, it was the right call.

Speaking to the BBC, Reiss Nelson has been discussing Smith Rowe and his ability, and he made quite the claim about the midfielder.

Emile Smith Rowe could play for any team in the world

Nelson spoke incredibly highly of Smith Rowe, stating that he could play for any team in world football when he’s fit.

The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boast some of the best talent on the planet, but Nelson believes Smith Rowe is good enough to play for any side when he’s fit and firing.

“Having a fit Emile Smith Rowe, he could play for any team in the world I feel like. For me as well, playing consistently would be a very good thing to see. The main thing for both of us is staying fit and if we’re both fit it will be a great season for Fulham and a great season for both of us as well,” Nelson said.

What Tony Adams said about Emile Smith Rowe

These comments from Nelson may seem hyperbolic, but we mustn’t forget just how highly Emile Smith Rowe was rated when he was at Arsenal.

Indeed, Smith Rowe was seen as a future superstar at Arsenal.

“They’re outstanding. I actually think Emile’s going to be a better player than Saka to be honest with you,” Adams said.

“I used to play with Dennis Bergkamp and he does so much one-touch play.

“Listen, the guy’s got a statue out there so I don’t want to put him up alongside Dennis. But his football intelligence, he gets it and he’s seen it before it’s coming to him. The one-touch he plays is incredible.

“And Saka’s a fantastic boy, he’s a great human-being.”

Unfortunately injuries hampered Smith Rowe’s development and Saka has since overtaken him, but, if the Fulham star can get back on the right track, he could get to the level that was once predicted of him.