Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly set to sign a new five-year contract with the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations over a new deal began in March and are edging ever closer to completion.
While Smith Rowe is on the verge of committing his long-term future to the club, a trio of first-team players are edging closer to the exit door. Former Chelsea winger Willian is expected to depart, as are midfielders Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi.
Emile Smith Rowe Ready to Sign New Arsenal Contract
News Comes as a Significant Boost for Arsenal Supporters
In a largely dismal season for Arsenal across all fronts, the form of Emile Smith Rowe has been a rare source for optimism at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners ended the 2020/21 campaign in ninth place in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Europa League by eventual winners Villarreal. However, none of those disappointments prevented Smith Rowe from impressing on a regular basis throughout the season.
The 20-year-old established himself as a regular name in Mikel Arteta’s starting 11, and he racked up a highly commendable 20 appearances by the end of the Premier League season. In addition, Smith Rowe made a further 17 appearances in the cup competitions, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists across all competitions.
The club’s willingness to tie the England U21 international down to a new deal is therefore clear to understand, and now only the final minor details remain for completion.
Trio Heading for Arsenal Exit
There is no such willingness from the club to retain the services of Brazilian international Willian, whose form has dipped spectacularly since he joined from Chelsea on a three-year deal. After only one season in north London, the club are now trying to facilitate his exit, with the likes of David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami reportedly interested in arranging a deal.
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka also looks to have played his last game in Arsenal colours. Links have been drawn between the 28-year-old and Serie A side Roma, who are to be managed by former Tottenham Hotspur boss José Mourinho from the start of next season.
Finally, out-of-favour Frenchman Matteo Guendouzi is also reportedly being pushed towards the exit door at the Emirates. The 22-year-old has fallen out with Gunners manager Arteta and spent last season at loan at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, where he made 24 league appearances.
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