According to AS, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is cooling his interest in Real Madrid playmaker Isco because of Emile Smith Rowe’s performances.
It’s claimed that Arteta is ‘seduced’ by Isco, and felt he would play a key role at Arsenal if they were able to pull off a deal for the midfielder.
However, Arteta’s desire to sign Isco has allegedly been stopped because of Smith Rowe, seemingly reluctant to block his progress.
The report adds that the door to Arsenal have been closed because he could instead join Sevilla under Julen Lopetegui.
Smith Rowe’s emergence at Arsenal means a move to the Emirates Stadium has allegedly ‘vanished’ for now, which is very interesting.
Smith Rowe has been excellent in Arsenal’s last three games, providing real drive, quickness of thought and creativity around the box.
The 20-year-old has been a key part of Arsenal turning around their form, and whilst Isco has great quality, Arteta backing away does make some sense.
What once looked like a position Arsenal had to strengthen may now be pushed down the list of priorities, and it’s all because of Smith Rowe’s quality.
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