Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal will hold talks with Emile Smith Rowe over a new contract as under-fire coach hails starlet’s performances and insists: ‘he’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us’
- Emile Smith Rowe is set to hold talks with Arsenal to sign a new long-term deal
- Boss Mikel Arteta praised the starlet’s performances and says he wants to stay
- Smith Rowe, 20, has made 27 senior appearances this season and impressed
- Sportsmail reported in January that Smith-Rowe was in line for improved terms
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal plan to hold talks with starlet Emile Smith Rowe over a new contract.
Smith Rowe, 20, has proven a bright spark for the club in what has largely been a disappointing campaign and now looks set to extend his deal, which is currently set to run down in 2023.
The impressive Arsenal academy graduate has made 27 appearances at senior level this season, scoring twice and teeing up seven more goals.
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal will hold talks with starlet Emile Smith Rowe over a new deal
When quizzed whether discussions will be held with Smith Rowe over tying his future to the Emirates, Arteta told Sky Sports that fresh terms are in the pipeline.
‘We are going to have that discussion,’ said Arteta.
‘I think Emile has earned the right to look at that situation because of the performances that he has produced.
Arteta hailed Smith Rowe’s performances this season and insists the youngster wants to stay
‘He’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us, that’s for sure.’
Sportsmail reported in January that Emile Rowe was in line to be offered a new £40,000-a-week contract as a reward for his eye-catching performances.
The burgeoning attacking midfielder made his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2018 and has spent loan spells with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield.
After returning from his time in the Championship, Smith Rowe has quickly become a standout performer under Arteta.
Smith Rowe (pictured against Villarreal) has emerged as a standout performer under Arteta
Folarin Balogun has signed a new deal as Arsenal look to secure the futures of several talents
Should he put pen to paper as expected, Smith Rowe will join a number of youngsters who will also continue their progression with the north London outfit.
Bukayo Saka signed a new contract earlier this season and the highly-rated Folarin Balogun, 19, resisted advances elsewhere to stay.
Arteta has also firmly admitted that this summer will be the most important for the club in years.
Arteta has also admitted that this summer will prove to be Arsenal’s most important in years
With his charges floundering in the Europa League and adrift of the European spots in the top-flight, it looks as though Arsenal will have to spend big.
‘A lot of things have happened in the last few transfer windows,’ added Arteta.
‘There are a lot of players in various situations. It’s crucial. We want to go to the next level and there are a lot of things we need to do to get there.’
