Smith Rowe signs new Arsenal contract

Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the North London club have officially confirmed.

The 20-year-old rose through the academy ranks at Arsenal, plying his trade for a while at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, before earning a place in the first team for the Gunners last summer. His chance to impress manager Mikel Arteta became notable as Mesut Ozil got frozen out of the squad, and it’s fair to say he left a very good impression through 37 appearances in all competitions in 2020-21, during which he scored seven goals and assisted seven more.

Smith Rowe drew strong interest from Aston Villa, and Arsenal were forced to decline two offers for his services. It had been reported that Villa were preparing a third with two years left on his contract. Now, however, Arsenal are even less likely to entertain any fresh offers, having decided to give Smith Rowe the No. 10 shirt ahead of the upcoming season and tied him down for the next five years.