There was a lot of nervous speculation surrounding Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe during the summer window, as he was linked with a move to Chelsea.
The England international is yet to start a game this season, but he came off the bench in each of Arsenal’s last two games, whilst he continues to struggle for regular minutes.
There were links with a move to Chelsea towards the end of the summer window before they signed Cole Palmer, but Arsenal kept Smith Rowe beyond the deadline.
In his Daily Briefing, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that there were never any talks between Arsenal and Chelsea over the 23-year-old despite the rumours, and he is in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
“Interest was always there for Emile Smith Rowe this summer as he’s a talent but there was never any negotiation, despite Chelsea links,” he claimed.
“At the moment he is not playing much but it’s too early to say what this means for his future.
“For January, we have to see what they decide in December as now the message is very clear: Arteta is happy with current squad and wants to focus on the next months with these players. No panic.”
Smith Rowe needs more opportunities
It is clear that Smith Rowe needs to play more to create a future for himself at the club, but he has been given little in the way of opportunities this season.
Even with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard injured, he was still only given a five-minute cameo appearance in the North London derby, and Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to rotate him in more.
The League Cup could be a good chance for Smith Rowe to start and earn his place in the side, and he simply must start in tomorrow’s clash with Brentford.
The Englishman spent most of last season injured, but was one of Arsenal’s top scorers in the previous season, and is an incredibly popular figure amongst the fanbase.
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