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Arsenal have no intention to sell Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal have no intention to sell Emile Smith Rowe in the summer transfer window, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.

The 22-year-old was the Gunners’ second-highest scorer in 2021/22 with 11 goals in all competitions but he struggled to replicate the showing in the recent campaign with just two assists.

Smith Rowe underwent a groin surgery in September last year and his return was delayed after another minor setback. He ended up playing just 195 minutes over 14 matches for Arsenal.

Despite this, manager Mikel Arteta continues to back the youngster. Arsenal are hoping that he has a good spell with England at the Under-21 Euros such that he can return to form next term.

Arsenal have made the right decision

Smith Rowe made his big breakthrough during the back end of the 2020/21 campaign and managed to carry over the form.

The Gunners graduate lost his starting spot with the emergence of Gabriel Martinelli in 2021/22 but he was still influential off the bench, finding the back of the net regularly.

The 2022/23 season was a huge disappointment for him but Arsenal will be hoping that he can revive his form and confidence with a positive pre-season campaign this summer.

It will be interesting to see where Arteta plays him during the pre-season tour. Smith Rowe may have to adapt to a central midfield position next season with the strong competition.

Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are guaranteed starters in attack when fit but there is scope for Smith Rowe in the number eight role with Granit Xhaka set to leave.

The £33 million-rated star is gifted with superb distribution skills but he needs to improve on his ability to win duels and tackles in order to become a mainstay in the centre of the park.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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