‘Always been clear’…£60m Arsenal player might actually spring a surprise this summer

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Arsenal are motoring along this season in their pursuit of glory and in the main, have done it without young midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe had initially been one of the major stars to emerge from the Hale End Academy in recent years.

However, in more recent times, he’s found himself slipping further down the pecking order. Indeed, Mikel Arteta has opted against bringing Smith Rowe on more than once this term, even in comfortable games.

Interest is there when it comes to Smith Rowe leaving. West Ham have apparently looked at him, as have Juventus. Indeed, it appears from the outside looking in that Smith Rowe will be on his way this summer.

But according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the writing might not actually be on the wall just yet.

Emile Smith Rowe could yet stay with Arsenal

Speaking for GiveMeSport, Jacobs has said that while interest is there for Smith Rowe, he has always had a commitment to remain at Arsenal.

“I don’t think the writing’s on the wall because not much has changed since a lot of links in January and even last summer. We know that Aston Villa looked and some say that West Ham are monitoring the situation as well. But every time there’s been interest in Smith Rowe, even when he’s been out and not playing, it’s always been clear from the player camp that he wants to stay and fight for his place. Therefore, I don’t think anything is predetermined at this point in terms of a summer exit,” Jacobs said.

Big summer coming

And that is for both Arsenal and Emile Smith Rowe.

You’d assume that the midfielder will want to move on and get some first-team football. But if he feels he has even a sniff of being involved with the Gunners and they win trophies this year, then you can also understand why he might want to stay around.

Arsenal apparently value Smith Rowe around the £60m mark. But whether someone will pay such a fee for someone who is so out of favour, is another question entirely.