Revealed: Major update on Smith Rowe’s Arsenal future as new signing heads in
Emile Smith Rowe is unlikely to leave Arsenal this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the 22-year-old will continue at the Emirates Stadium despite the imminent arrival of Chelsea star Kai Havertz, who could play a similar role to Smith Rowe.
Football Insider revealed last week (21 June) that Havertz has said goodbye to his Chelsea teammates with his £65million switch expected to become official within days.
Arsenal have emerged as a major player in the race to sign Fenerbahce attacking midfield sensation Arda Guler.
Sources told Football Insider on Monday (26 June) that Arsenal have leapfrogged Newcastle in the chase for the 18-year-old’s signature.
Nevertheless, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains a big fan of Smith Rowe and he is expected to remain at the club past the summer window.
The Spaniard wants more competition for places in his side as he eyes another tilt at the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign.
Arsenal were stung by several key injuries in their fight with eventual champions Man City last term – and a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Arteta is desperate to avoid a repeat of that situation.
Smith Rowe, who was the subject of a £30m Aston Villa offer in 2021, made just 14 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign with injury hampering his progress.
The 22-year-old managed 10 Premier League goals in the 2021-22 season but could not contribute a single strike in his 195 minutes of action last term.
His Arsenal contract runs until June 2026 after signing a long-term extension in 2021.
Smith Rowe is currently away with England as they bid to win the Under-21 European Championships in Romania and Georgia.
In other news, Arsenal now have “verbal agreements” for two more deals.