'Showing his class': Paul Merson says £60,000-a-week player is finally shining after leaving Arsenal

Paul Merson knows what it feels like to leave Arsenal.

The 56-year-old made 401 appearances for the Gunners from 1985 to 1997 after emerging from Hale End in 1985, winning two First Division titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and many other pieces of silverware before departing for Middlesbrough.

Now, Paul Merson has praised two players who left Arsenal during the summer transfer window…

Paul Merson commends Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson

The man from Harlesden has now spoken about how Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are faring at Fulham.

In case you missed it, the latter moved to Craven Cottage on loan for the 2024/25 campaign on transfer deadline day, although the Cottagers hold no option or obligation to buy the winger next year.

At one point, Nelson actually looked set to join Ipswich Town before Fulham hijacked negotiations.

In regards to Smith Rowe, the England international moved to west London permanently, signing a £60,000-a-week contract after Arsenal accepted a £35m bid.

The Fulham No.32 has already scored two goals and provided one assist in five Premier League appearances under Marco Silva.

Writing about the pair of Hale End graduates for Sportskeeda, Merson stated: “Emile Smith Rowe is showing his class since joining Fulham. Just like him, even Reiss Nelson, who scored last weekend, could not get into the Arsenal team. It feels like they’re on a path to revive their careers.”

Arsenal were smart not to give Fulham a purchase clause with Reiss Nelson

The time felt right for Arsenal to sell Smith Rowe – who only managed to start three Premier League games last season – especially for a sum of £35m.

That represented good business, and Arsenal were also wise not to allow Fulham an option or obligation to buy Nelson for a fixed sum.

Nelson has the potential to be worth roughly the same as his £35m Fulham teammate, or the £30m Eddie Nketiah – who moved to Crystal Palace – with one strong season under his belt.

Given the fact Mikel Arteta only handed the 24-year-old one Premier League start last season, Arsenal perhaps only would have received £10m from a permanent sale over the summer, but the loan to Fulham with no fixed sum of money agreed in the background gives Nelson a chance to increase his value significantly.