Arteta claims Emile Smith Rowe ‘pushing’ for Arsenal first-team minutes

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Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is ‘pushing’ for first-team minutes right now according to manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has been speaking to Football London ahead of Friday’s home game against bottom club Southampton.

The Spaniard was asked about Smith Rowe’s situation having not really featured much of late.

Arteta suggested that Smith Rowe is really ‘pushing’ for first-team action even if he hasn’t featured much of late.

Arteta added that Smith Rowe must have the mentality and ability to make an immediate impact in the Arsenal team.

The Gunners boss feels that Smith Rowe is ‘very close’ to that kind of level but it’s now over to the player to make the next jump forward.

“He’s pushing. In football it’s not about what you’ve done a year or a month ago, it’s about what you do now, what you did yesterday and what you’re going to do tomorrow,” said Arteta. “The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team to make us better and win games. It is there. Very close, yeah,” he added.

Emile Smith Rowe faces crucial few months at Arsenal

Cast your minds back to the summer of 2021; Aston Villa had failed with not one but two bids for Smith Rowe.

Arsenal fans seemed utterly stunned that Villa even thought Smith Rowe would be available.

The expectation was that Smith Rowe would be absolutely vital for Arsenal moving forward, a player to build around just like Bukayo Saka.

Yet whilst Saka has become a superstar for club and country, Smith Rowe hasn’t taken the same steps forward.

The 22-year-old has suffered with injuries and hasn’t started a single Premier League game for Arsenal this season.

With just 116 minutes of league action across nine substitute appearances, Smith Rowe is in danger of fizzling out at Arsenal.

There is still plenty of time for Smith Rowe to get back on track – we certainly know he has the ability.

Yet with Fabio Vieira signed last summer and midfielders like Declan Rice linked with a move to North London this summer, Smith Rowe’s first-team prospects could take another hit.

Everyone wants to see Smith Rowe thrive at Arsenal but he staying fit is an absolute must moving forward.