LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on May 28, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
How Mikel Arteta really feels about Emile Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal this summer.
So far this summer, Arsenal have already rejected bids from London rivals Crystal Palace and Fulham for Hale End graduate Emile Smith Rowe.
Arsenal’s number 10, who inherited the shirt from Mesut Ozil, looks like he will finally leave north London this summer, a situation the club would have never envisioned years ago.
Smith Rowe burst onto the first team alongside Bukayo Saka – two huge hopes for the future.
And whilst Saka has gone on to become one of the world’s best wingers, Smith Rowe’s progression has been hampered by injuries and first team chances.
Mikel Arteta has always spoken so well about the England international, even when he hasn’t been receiving minutes.
But ultimately the Spaniard hasn’t handed Smith Rowe a significant role in the last two seasons, even when he has been fit.
That being said, amid the aforementioned approaches from Palace and Fulham, The Athletic have now been providing more details on how Arsenal and Arteta feel about losing Smith Rowe this summer.Mikel Arteta would prefer to sell other Arsenal players before Emile Smith Rowe
The report first details that this summer really could mark the end for Smith Rowe in north London.
That being said, there are said to be players that both Arteta and Arsenal would much prefer to sell ahead of the midfielder.
Arteta remains a ‘huge fan’ of the player and the club haven’t been particularly impressed with the number eights available this summer to act as a replacement.
But ultimately the report believes that Smith Rowe’s personal preference will be the determining factor.
If Smith Rowe expresses a firm desire to leave and Arsenal receive an offer they are content with, a departure could be sanctioned.
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Therefore, both Fulham and Palace may feel that it’s just a case of presenting their project sufficiently to Smith Rowe’s camp.
But interestingly, those close to Smith Rowe haven’t been encouraging Fulham or Palace – perhaps strengthening the idea that the No 10 could stay.
Arsenal supporters are unlikely to be too unhappy with that outcome were it the case – a player who is still much loved in N5.
However, with Arsenal growing closer to sealing a deal for Mikel Merino, those same fans will need to hope that Smith Rowe’s future won’t block additions elsewhere.
