Emile Smith-Rowe became a pivotal part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in his Breakthrough season during the 2020/21 Premier League campaign. The Hale End academy graduate has however only got two years remaining on his contract and Arsenal hope to tie their youngster down to a fresh long-term deal.
Breakthrough Season:
Since Mikel Arteta included the Croydon born attacking midfielder into his team on New Year’s Day of 2021, Arsenal collected the second highest number of points throughout the remainder of the season with Smith-Rowe playing an integral role in the team and showing off his fruitful partnership with fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka. Four goals and seven assists made up solid numbers for half a debut season.
Smith-Rowe’s silky playing style and willingness to move forward with the ball quickly stands out within the side and, helps Arteta’s team to be much more progressive in possession and create many more chances.
Versatility across the front three attacking roles also makes the 20-year-old difficult to drop as he can be a threat in all positions in the attacking third. As well as being able to create chances and link up well with his teammates, Smith-Rowe has proven over the years to have a high-quality shot on him and can take players on with deceptive pace.
An update on Smith-Rowe’s future.
Arsenal desperately want to tie their Youngster down to a fresh long-term deal to keep him at the Emirates however, Aston Villa have expressed a very keen interest in the player and have displayed their intent with two opening bids in an attempt to prise one of Arsenal’s most thought after possessions away from N5.
Back at the beginning of June, Football London reported that Arsenal remain confident that Emile Smith-Rowe would extend and sign a new long-term deal with the club. Mikel Arteta sees the 20 Y/O as a part of the Gunner’s British core alongside Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding.
The answer to Arsenal’s creative issues.
A lack of creativity and composure in the final third was a serious issue for Arsenal during the opening half of the 2020/21 Premier League Season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette were both left starved of chances and struggling to make an impact on games. Arsenal the went into the January transfer Window with willingness to change this on a limited budget.
The introduction to the side for Smith-Rowe was a memorable one with Arsenal beating Chelsea at Emirates Stadium in an enthralling 3-1 victory. The 20 Y/O was a key factor in the Gunners beating their London rivals as well as other youngsters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. After this introduction of youth, Mikel Arteta decided to mould his side around these youthful and hungry athletes for the remained of the season and from that point on, his side picked up the second most points in the league.
Why Arsenal cannot sell to Villa.
If Arsenal sold one of their hottest young players to Aston Villa, then this would mean selling to a side which can only be described as a direct rival to the Gunners. Arsenal failed to beat Aston Villa both home and away last season and, the Birmingham side only finished three places behind Arsenal.
With Dean Smith’s side already strengthening, the addition of Emiliano Buendia and now making moves for Smith-Rowe, they are acting as a club that are looking to threaten the Gunners and, If Arsenal don’t invest significantly this summer as well as keep their best players, then they will fall further and further down the table.
Exciting future with Hale End at the core.
Arsenal fans can be excited for what the future holds in north London with so many young players pushing for stating places at Emirates Stadium. As well as the big names such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Smith Rowe and Joe Willock, there are some young player such as Folarin Balogun, and Miguel Azeez who could be given first team chances in the first team this coming campaign.
Reiss Nelson, William Saliba, Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland Niles could all also have big seasons ahead with potential Loan or Permanent moves away from the club to find the next best step in their personal development.
