Arsenal reject Fulham bid for Emile Smith Rowe, Mikel Arteta eager to give Hale End ace his wish

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Arsenal have now rejected an offer from Fulham to sign Emile Smith Rowe, as Mikel Arteta’s stance has become clear.

Emile Smith Rowe is a popular figure at Arsenal.

As a Hale End academy graduate, who has been on the books at the Emirates Stadium since the age of ten, he is naturally beloved by the fans.

However, the last two seasons have been a real struggle for the midfielder, as recurrent injury issues and a fall down the pecking order have significantly limited his opportunities to impress.

Last season, Mikel Arteta afforded the 23-year-old just three Premier League starts. At this stage in his career, the 3-cap England international needs to be playing regular football, and unless something changes dramatically at Arsenal, he does not look set to be given those minutes at the club. 

Arteta has previously insisted that Smith Rowe remains in his plans, but it now seems that he could be allowed to depart, but only if the price is right. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe from his parents to tattoo

Arsenal reject Fulham bid but won’t hold Emile Smith Rowe back

Fulham are keen to prise Smith Rowe away from Arsenal this summer. He would certainly stand an excellent chance of making himself a key player a Craven Cottage, and the move would allow him to remain in London, where he was born and raised.

According to The Athletic, Fulham have now had an offer for Smith Rowe knocked back by Arsenal. However, if Smith Rowe decides that he wishes to leave the club – and it is not yet clear if that is his intent – then Arteta will not stand in his way.

Arsenal, as a club, have a great deal of affection for Smith Rowe, and intend to respect his wishes. However, this of course does not mean that sporting director Edu will feel pressured into accepting a low-ball offer from Fulham.

Should Arsenal sell Emile Smith Rowe?

Even the least sentimental of Arsenal fans would feel a pang upon seeing Smith Rowe depart the club. What’s more, his talent in undeniable. He has lit up the Premier League in the past, and has all the attributes required to thrive at the highest level.

More than that, though, he needs opportunities to play and get back to his best. If Arteta cannot grant him the game time needed, then the club must take the difficult decision to cash in and make use of the funds raised by his sale.