Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with midfield starlet Emile Smith Rowe over a new long-term contract. The Athletic are reporting that the club have made the 20-year-old’s future a key immediate priority, and hope to agree new terms as soon as they can.
Smith Rowe is enjoying a fine season for the Gunners, and scored the winning goal in the victory over Chelsea, a result which lifted some of the pressure that has been building on manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal Prioritising Emile Smith Rowe Future
Young Players Lifting the Mood at the Emirates
In what has been a desperately disappointing season for Arsenal so far, the form of some of the club’s youngsters has provided a rare glimmer of optimism amid an otherwise turbulent backdrop.
Along with the impressive Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe has been one of the Gunners’ young stars who can be proud of his performances over the course of a highly difficult spell for the club.
The London-born midfielder has made 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, and has recently started adding goals to his game in the competition. Smith Rowe netted his first league goal for Arteta’s side in the recent win over West Bromwich Albion, and followed up on his maiden effort with the winner against London rivals Chelsea.
And with the likes of Joe Willock – currently on loan at Newcastle United – performing well away from the Emirates, there is hope that Arsenal could rely on their young charges to steer the club back onto the right track over the coming years.
This would explain why the issue of Smith Rowe’s future is seen as so important to finalise and secure within the corridors of power at the club. Arteta certainly needs him.
Arsenal Still Striving for Europe
Although competing in next season’s Champions League is now beyond them, Arsenal still harbour hopes of reaching the Europa League through their Premier League position.
Arteta’s side are currently eighth in the table and have 55 points; three points behind fifth-placed West Ham United. However, David Moyes’ side have a game in hand on the Gunners, as do ninth-placed Everton, who are only behind Arsenal on goal difference.
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