Speaking after Arsenal’s pre-season defeat to Hibs, Mikel Arteta has claimed that Emile Smith Rowe will not be sold this summer amid links to Aston Villa.
The attacking midfielder has been the subject of multiple bids from the Villlans, and as you can imagine, journalists were desperate to ask Arteta about his future after the game.
Arteta was adamant that Smith Rowe would be staying at the club, refusing to even comment on the bids from Villa.
What’s been said?
Arteta made it clear that Smith Rowe will be staying.
“Without a question. Yes. He will stay here. 100%,” Arteta said.
“No comment,” the Spaniard replied when asked about the bids from Aston Villa.
End of story
Surely this is the end of any suggestion of Smith Rowe leaving.
It’s long been rumoured that the 20-year-old will be getting a new contract at Arsenal this summer, and Arteta’s comments here may suggest that he may not be far off of putting pen to paper.
Arsenal keeping Smith Rowe is a huge boost. After all, he’s a fantastic young player, being branded as ‘talented’ by Gilberto Silva last season.
Of course, this is a blow for Aston Villa, but with the Midlands club being linked to Todd Cantwell in recent days, they could still sign a young English attacking midfielder in this window.
This may end up being another massive season for Smith Rowe at Arsenal.
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