Report: Arsenal boss Arteta makes Smith Rowe priority at 10

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made Emile Smith Rowe his priority for the number 10 position, according to David Ornstein.

The midfielder signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners yesterday. His new deal will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2026. And the ace was handed the famous number 10 shirt.

It ended weeks of speculation over his future, where he was strangely linked with a move to Aston Villa. Reports claimed the Villans weren’t planning to admit defeat in their pursuit of the player despite having two bids rejected.

The Athletic’s journalist has also said the club are still actively looking for a new attacking midfielder. Ornstein also seemed to pour cold water over the pursuit of James Maddison, saying he didn’t think the club would ‘go to the level required’ to sign the ace.

Smith Rowe should be the priority for Arsenal

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind over the quality the youngster possesses. He was in superb form for the Gunners in the second half of last season.

Gareth Southgate was full of praise for the youngster, claiming he and Bukayo Saka were a ‘breath of fresh air’.

Therefore, Arsenal are right to make Smith Rowe their priority for the number 10 position.

There are many reasons for making the Hale End academy prospect Arsenal’s number one. However, the most crucial is his age.

If the ace can stand out in the Premier League at the tender age of 20, he deserves to be number one.

Imagine how good a 27-year-old Smith Rowe will be. The Croydon-born youngster will only get better as time goes on, which is frightening if you are a Premier League defender.