Mikel Arteta delivers defiant stance on future of £35m-rated Arsenal star

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made a defiant stance on Emile Smith Rowe. The Hale End youngster has been the subject of two rejected bids from Aston Villa this summer.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by Hibernian during their first pre-season friendly. It represents a blow for Arsenal and leaves Arteta with plenty to ponder.

Smith Rowe scored a consolation goal for Arsenal. Nicolas Pepe also saw a penalty kick saved during the second half of the action.

Arsenal finished eighth last season and that simply won’t do for the club again during 2021/22. As a result, Arteta knows he must make an assault on the transfer market for some more players.

In addition to that, he can’t afford to lose his current top talents. After last night’s game, he was asked by Football London to explain his stance on Smith Rowe’s future.

He said: “Without a question. Yes. He will stay here. 100%”

It’s a pretty conclusive verdict from Arteta and he will hope the club’s hierarchy are on the same page ahead of next season.

Arsenal have so far added Nuno Tavares to their ranks. The left-back will add some competition to the squad and more players are expected to follow him.

Arsenal have to keep Smith Rowe

Although some reports have claimed that Arsenal might be willing to do business at around the £35 million mark, they must be delighted with Arteta’s stance.

Smith Rowe was in fine form last season and he’ll only get better. At 20-years-old there is more to come from the Hale End talent and the future is bright.

Arsenal shouldn’t consider strengthening Aston Villa’s ranks. Right now, they’re a club that could compete with the Gunners and they have to tread carefully.

It looks as though Smith Rowe is set to stay with Arsenal though and that should delight the club’s supporters.