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Despite suggestions of outside interest in the 20-year-old, Arsenal is sure he will sign a long-term contract with the club. Smith Rowe got his first Premier League start of the season last Boxing Day when Mikel Arteta sent him in from the start against London rivals Chelsea. The dynamic midfielder instantly struck the eye and added a spark to the Gunners’ side which had been missing prior.
Boss Mikel Arteta revealed in May that Arsenal is looking to extend Smith Rowe’s contract when asked if plans were in place. The Spaniard said:
“We are going to have that discussion. I think Emile has earned the right to look at that situation because of the performances that he has produced. He’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us, that’s for sure.”
Aston Villa has been said to be interested, although there is ‘no reality’ to the allegations. The Croydon native is regarded as a member of Arsenal’s ‘British core,’ alongside Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.
Richard Garlick, the club’s head of football operations, is claimed to be leading the negotiations between the club and the players’ agents, a role he has taken on since he arrived from the Premier League. The contract will be signed soon, it’d just a matter of days. The deal in place will see him play for the North London club till 2026.
Arsenal needs to revive their team amidst rumours of Willian, Xhaka and Guendouzi leaving. They are rumoured to be interested in Andre Onana, Lille’s right-back Mehmet Zeki Celik and Ruben Neves. Long summer ahead for the Arsenal board.
Emile Smith-Rowe is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal until June 2026 after negotiations started in March. Just waiting last details to be completed – then it’ll be done. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
In the meantime, Willian is expected to leave Arsenal this summer as Xhaka and Guendouzi. https://t.co/0oLWSdBGFP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2021