19 January 2024 , 16:01
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to comment on Emile Smith Rowe's future amid transfer speculation linking the midfielder with a move to West Ham.
After a sensational breakthrough 2021/22 campaign, Smith Rowe's development has all but come to a grinding halt after a series of serious injury issues. The England international was forced to undergo surgery for a groin issue at the start of last term but has slipped the midfield pecking order amid the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira.
Smith Rowe has found first-team action hard to come by this season, with just six appearances in the league that total 116 minutes. His longest run-out came at home against Sheffield United, which marks his only league start so far this term.
With that in mind, as well as factoring in the 23-year-old's supreme technical quality, several clubs have expressed an interest in prying Smith Rowe away from the Emirates. One of those rumoured to be keen on his signature are West Ham, which was then put to Arteta during his pre-match presser ahead of Saturday's meeting with Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal boss kept his cards close to his chest, insisting that while Smith Rowe remains in his good books, he won't discuss any specific player. “I’m really happy with Emile," Arteta explained. "He’s on the right trajectory and now he’s settled, he’s training really well and you know that I won’t be talking about any individual situation."
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The Spaniard's reluctance to address Smith Rowe's situation in more detail is likely to only send the rumour mill into overdrive. Arteta did go on to suggest that it is now up to him to hand the midfielder more opportunities to make an impact for the Gunners. "No change, " he added. "Emile is Emile. He’s got incredible qualities and we really happy to have him.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Should Arteta give Smith Rowe more opportunities in the second half of the season? Comment below
Emile Smith Rowe has spent the majority of this season watching Arsenal from the bench"What he needs now is chances to put all the qualities that he has on the pitch. In order to do that we have to give him minutes." Whether Arteta will give Smith Rowe the chance to try and weave his influence against Crystal Palace on Saturday remains to be seen. The Arsenal academy graduate hasn't scored a goal for the Gunners since April 2022, during the 4-2 win away at Chelsea.