Mikel Arteta not keen on selling Arsenal star despite interest from rival PL clubs - Reports
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep Emile Smith Rowe this summer, according to reports. The England international has been linked with a departure from the Emirates.
Smith Rowe, an Arsenal academy graduate, earned his promotion to the senior team under Arteta in 2020 and went on to cement a place in his starting XI. After ending the 2021-22 campaign with 33 Premier League appearances and 10 goals to his name, Smith Rowe fell down the pecking order.
The England international registered 14 appearances in all competitions during the 2022-23 season, followed by 13 Premier League appearances last season. He's also had to deal with numerous injury issues in recent seasons. Given his lack of game time over the past two years, Smith Rowe has been touted to leave the club.
The English attacker has been linked with Newcastle United and reports have suggested that the Gunners are open to selling him this summer. However, Arteta would now like to retain Smith Rowe, despite rarely using him last season, according to The Guardian.
The outlet claims that Crystal Palace and Fulham are also interested in securing Smith Rowe's services. However, Fulham have reportedly seen a £30 million bid rejected by Arsenal.
Palace are also preparing an offer of £35 million for the 23-year-old, which is expected to be turned down as well. It is believed that Fulham will improve on their original bid too in an attempt to lure Smith Rowe to Craven Cottage.
“Arsenal need to be stronger" - Bacary Sagna urges Gunners to strengthen one position
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has urged the Gunners to reinforce their attacking lineup this summer. The Frenchman believes the north London outfit are in need of a striker.
Mikel Arteta's side lost their second consecutive Premier League title race last season against Manchester City. Despite their extraordinary form, the Gunners finished two points behind the Cityzens in second place.
While Arsenal scored 91 goals, the second biggest tally behind City (96) in the league last season, Sagna insists they must sign a striker this summer. He told Paddy Power:
"Arsenal need to be stronger and more attacking going forward. This season, scoring goals was a problem for them. They could add a proper striker – a number nine."
He added:
“I’m happy with Gabriel Jesus, as long as he stays fit, but they still need cover. I would go for someone like Olivier Giroud, someone physical who can hold the ball well and support the team if they’re struggling. They need someone who can wait in the box and help out offensively and defensively.”
The Gunners' main strikers Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah scored just nine Premier League goals between them last season.