Manager Mikel Arteta has ruled out the possibility of Emile Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal this summer.
The attacking midfielder properly staked his claim to a spot in the starting XI for the Gunners last season, taking his chance following the freezing out and eventual departure of Mesut Ozil. He made 20 Premier League appearances, (18 starts), scoring twice and producing four assists. In all competitions, the number of games he played for the first team is 37, including 11 in the Europa League.
The 20-year-old was of strong interest to Aston Villa, who have already signed Emiliano Buendia from Norwich, a player Arsenal considered as an alternative to Martin Odegaard. Villa had two bids rejected by the Gunners for Smith Rowe at the start of the transfer window.
“Without a question. Yes. He (Smith Rowe) will stay here. 100 per cent,” said Arteta, as relayed by The Athletic, in answer to a question about the player’s future.
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