Arsenal have kept themselves firmly in the Premier League title race in the early part of the 2023-24 season, but Mikel Arteta has not been able to please just about everyone in his squad this season – including midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
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Future of Emile Smith Rowe Clarified
Stance of Smith Rowe on Arsenal Future
The English midfielder has been linked with a possible exit from the Emirates Stadium in 2024 after a lack of regular game-time under Mikel Arteta this season. Fabrizio Romano has decided to clarify all these rumours and states that “at the moment” he is not pushing to leave the Gunners.
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However, the journalist also reaffirms that “we can’t predict the future” and there is still no assurance that Smith Rowe will remain at the club for many years. He further adds: “Of course, Smith Rowe wants and needs to play but he also understands it’s not easy for Mikel Arteta now as there are many key players in the squad. The next three months will be important to understand his future in 2024.”
Watch: Last Word on Football analyse Arsenal this season.
What Does He Need to Do to Regain Key Role in the Arsenal Squad?
The 23-year-old was an important player under Arteta during his first years as Arsenal manager, scoring ten goals and providing two assists in 33 Premier League appearances in the 2021-22 season – with the Gunners boss hailing him as “superb” during that period. However, he suffered a nasty injury last season – derailing his momentum, which dropped him down the pecking order.
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Despite inheriting the no.10 jersey at Arsenal, Smith Rowe has not started a Premier League game this season. His quality is well known, but the youngster will need to outperform the likes of Martin Odegaard or even Gabriel Martinelli in training. On top of that, he has to be really clinical in games, contributing towards goals or creating chances on a consistent basis to win over the Arsenal boss. If unable to do so, he is unlikely to get much game-time, which might force Smith Rowe to look towards seeking a move away from his childhood club in 2024.
