Emile Smith Rowe clears the air regarding his future at Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe has addressed his future at Arsenal after a challenging season in which he struggled for game time. The 22-year-old Englishman, who can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or winger, featured only 14 times across all competitions due to injury issues and found himself as an unused substitute on the bench for much of the second half of the campaign.
?️| Emile Smith Rowe: “Arsenal are my club and I’m not going to give up until [Mikel Arteta] says he doesn’t want me. But that’s not the case. He wants me as part of the team and I want to fight for my place and get back in the team.” [@TimesSport] #afc pic.twitter.com/ZYQv5BGQpB
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) June 18, 2023
Amid speculation linking him with moves to West Ham, Aston Villa, and Brighton, there were suggestions that Smith Rowe could be sold by Arsenal, with Kai Havertz being considered as his potential replacement.
However, recent reports indicate that the Gunners have no intention of parting ways with the talented youngster and see him as an integral part of their plans for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Speaking to The Times, Smith Rowe expressed his determination to continue at Arsenal, stating, “Arsenal are my club, and I’m not going to give up until [Arteta] says he doesn’t want me.” He acknowledged that the past season had been the most difficult of his career but understood the manager’s decision not to alter a winning team during their title charge.
Emile Smith Rowe's pace with the ball is better than Martinelli's Pace with ball pic.twitter.com/gaFZx8VDpe https://t.co/rgH6IkF7Gv
— ?????? ✪ (@AfcBanks_) June 11, 2023
Despite the lack of playing time, the Hale End graduate remained positive and focused on training, highlighting the support he received from his teammates and manager. He emphasized his desire to be on the pitch and expressed gratitude for the guidance and encouragement he received from the Arsenal camp.
Smith Rowe, who emerged from the Arsenal academy, has made a total of 96 first-team appearances for the club, contributing 18 goals and 11 assists. As he looks ahead to the new season, the talented midfielder aims to make a greater impact and prove his worth to manager Mikel Arteta.
