Arsenal will make Emile Smith Rowe a key player for the future and at the centre of their project, with the England international ‘untouchable’ in the transfer market, as per CBS.
Smith Rowe has established a vital presence in Mikel Arteta’s plans so far this season with 13 appearances. He has also started 11 of his outings, including 10 Premier League games.
The Hale End product only failed to open the Gunners’ win over Norwich City in the top-flight. But has since taken his performances to an even higher level since facing Tottenham.
Smith Rowe broke the deadlock in the north London derby before assisting Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 21-year-old has added a further three goals and another assist in five league games, with strikes in each of the Emirates Stadium natives’ last three.
His efforts under Arteta convinced Gareth Southgate to hand the London-born maestro his first senior England call-up this month. And the late reserve marked his first start by scoring against San Marino on Monday, after his debut from the bench against Albania last week.
Smith Rowe also assisted Harry Kane in San Marino, with the Arsenal gem’s cross evading all defenders. Before finding the net himself on 58-minutes with a clinical near-post effort.
No transfer for Smith Rowe with midfielder at the heart of Arsenal vision
Arsenal are now entirely certain Smith Rowe will be at the centre of their long-term project and will reject any club’s attempt to seal a transfer ‘no matter what bids’ they may receive.
The Gunners have firmed up their stance further since handing the youngster a new £40k-a-week contract in July, running to 2026, and handing him the club’s number 10 jersey.
Aston Villa had courted the midfielder’s services during the summer market. But CBS noted at the time Arsenal would not even consider offers worth triple the Villans’ $35m (£26m).
Now, Arsenal full-heartedly consider Smith Rowe ‘untouchable’ and a pillar of the Emirates squad for years to come. And, potentially, also the England fold after an impressive start.
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