Arteta Drops Huge Hint on Smith Rowe’s Arsenal Future Amid Fulham Bid

Mikel Arteta has given a significant indication about Emile Smith Rowe’s future at Arsenal, amidst a £30 million bid from Fulham. The Gunners boss has made it clear that he values the young midfielder highly, and his latest move has sparked intrigue among fans and pundits alike.

In a surprise gesture, Arteta handed Smith Rowe the captain’s armband for the final 30 minutes of Arsenal’s pre-season friendly win against Leyton Orient. This symbolic move has led many to believe that the Spaniard sees the 22-year-old as a vital cog in his squad.

However, Smith Rowe’s injury-plagued season last term, which limited him to just 19 appearances across all competitions, has raised questions about his long-term prospects at the Emirates. Fulham’s lucrative bid has only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans wondering if the England U21 international’s time in North London is drawing to a close.

Yet, Arteta’s admiration for Smith Rowe is well-documented. The Arsenal manager has previously heaped praise on the youngster, saying: “I love him as a player. I enjoy watching him move and change direction on the field.” Such glowing endorsement suggests that Arteta is eager to integrate Smith Rowe into his starting XI.

Moreover, the financial implications of selling Smith Rowe cannot be ignored. As a homegrown talent, his sale would represent pure profit for Arsenal, significantly boosting their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position.

As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Arteta’s next move regarding Smith Rowe. Will he continue to entrust the midfielder with a key role, or will the allure of a hefty transfer fee prove too great to resist? Only time will tell.