Arsenal thwart former manager’s plan as Ornstein confirms Arteta has ‘no intention’ of selling underused ace
Charlie Patino of Arsenal and Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal
Arsenal are not interested in receiving any offers for Emile Smith Rowe this summer, a trustworthy reporter has revealed.
Smith Rowe failed to start a single Premier League match for Arsenal in 2022-23, due to a combination of injuries and Mikel Arteta’s selection choices. Therefore, it was not a season of progress for the attacking midfielder, even though it was for his club as a whole.
His relative lack of activity has prompted a revival of links with Aston Villa, who were keen to take him away in 2021 and now have the added bonus of Unai Emery being their manager.
Emery was the coach who gave Smith Rowe his senior debut for Arsenal in a Europa League match back in September 2018. Therefore, there have been suggestions that they could reunite at Villa Park.
However, well-respected journalist, David Ornstein, has now revealed in a report for The Athletic that Arsenal have ‘no intention’ of selling Smith Rowe this summer.
Under contract until 2026, the playmaker still has a significant place in Arteta’s plans for the long term. Therefore, with Champions League football finally returning to the Emirates Stadium next season too, more opportunities could be on the horizon for Smith Rowe.
Per the report, Arsenal are expecting their number 10 to enjoy a productive summer with England at the under-21 European Championship, after which he should return to their setup refreshed and ready to contribute.
Smith Rowe to recover bigger role for Arsenal
As an attacking midfielder, of course, it will still be hard for Smith Rowe to dislodge Martin Odegaard as the main starter for Arsenal. But he should earn a better portion of the responsibilities next season.
Besides, there have been worrying rumours that Odegaard has become a top target for Paris Saint-Germain.
Even if the captain stays with Arsenal, Smith Rowe could gradually gain more prominence for himself. Also able to play in a central midfield or wide position, the Hale End academy graduate will just be hoping to stay healthy – and the gametime should follow.
Smith Rowe will turn 23 over the summer and has already amassed 95 appearances for the Arsenal first team, scoring 21 goals along the way.
Earlier in his career, he endured loan spells with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, but it appears he won’t be going anywhere else any time soon.
