Arsenal have made their stance on the future of the in-demand Emile Smith Rowe very clear.
According to 90min, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United have all made approaches to Arsenal in an attempt to strike a deal for Emile Smith Rowe. All three advances have been rebuffed as the Gunners have no intention of letting the 23-year-old leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Whilst Aston Villa and Newcastle both reached out to Arsenal to ascertain the viability of a loan deal for Smith Rowe, Chelsea are said to have wanted to sign the 3-cap England international on a permanent basis. However, the north London club have dismissed the notion of selling the attacking midfielder to their direct rivals.
Mikel Arteta clearly still has the Hale End academy graduate in his plans for Arsenal this season. However, the player is yet to feature in the Premier League, having been named on the bench for all three of the Gunners’ games so far.
Why Pele Is Overrated.
Smith Rowe must step up for Arsenal this season
There is no doubting Smith Rowe’s talent. He was hailed as a ‘special’ player by pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher during the 2021/22 season. The Croydon-born attacker enjoyed a breakthrough campaign on that occasion, scoring ten Premier League goals in 33 appearances.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
Since then, though, injuries, fitness issues, and the form of Gabriel Martinelli have hampered his progress and restricted his opportunities. Smith Rowe only managed 12 Premier League outings last season, all of which came from the bench.
Smith Rowe needs to prove this season that he has what it takes to play an important role in this Arsenal team. Arteta, it seems, is determined to give the No.10 a chance to do just that by keeping him at the club.
Arsenal will have plenty games to play this season. Arteta will have to rely on the depth of his squad to successfully guide the club through the campaign. Smith Rowe will get his chances to shine and must ensure that he takes them.