Arteta affirms Arsenal future for Smith Rowe amid transfer speculations

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has reassured Emile Smith Rowe that he remains a crucial part of the team’s plans for the current season, addressing recent transfer interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United regarding the talented attacking midfielder.

During the summer transfer window, Chelsea inquired about Smith Rowe, but Arsenal swiftly rejected the approach from their Premier League counterparts. More recently, Newcastle has surfaced as a potential destination for the English star in the ongoing January transfer window.

Despite limited starting opportunities for Smith Rowe in the Premier League this season – featuring in just one game and making six appearances overall – Arteta is adamant about retaining the 23-year-old at the Emirates. The Arsenal boss emphasized that unless the player expresses a desire to leave, he will have opportunities to contribute to the team.

In response to queries about the summer rumors surrounding Smith Rowe’s potential departure, Arteta clarified during a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool on Sunday, stating, “That was never part of our plans.”

When questioned about supporting Smith Rowe’s decision if he wishes to seek a move, Arteta highlighted the importance of open communication with players. He stated, “This is a two-way conversation all the time with players. I love listening to them about how they are feeling, what is the best thing for them, or what they want to do. Because you really have to be aligned with them and how they are feeling, and they have to feel important.”

As Arsenal enters a crucial phase of the season, Arteta emphasized patience and assured that Smith Rowe would have ample opportunities to showcase his talent on the field.