Arsenal make big call on Emile Smith Rowe's future, following another injury setback: sources

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Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is out injured once more, with the Gunners making a big decision on how they proceed with the academy graduate

Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe during a training session at London Colney on October 20, 2023 in St Albans, England.
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have made a call on Emile Smith Rowe and his future at the club, following another injury to the Hale End academy graduate.

Smith Rowe missed almost the entirety of last season, following surgery on his groin to correct an ongoing problem in the autumn. The 23-year-old has been eased into the season again this time by manager Mikel Arteta and recently made his first start since the 2021/22 season, in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Sheffield United.

But ahead of the League Cup fixture against West Ham United – which would have been a big opportunity for a successive start in red and white – Smith Rowe was missing through a knee injury, confirmed by Arteta to be one keeping his No.10 on the sidelines for weeks. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in action during the Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC: at Stade Bollaert - Delelis on October 03, 2023 in Lens, France.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Smith Rowe will be out for weeks (Image credit: Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Smith Rowe was linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer transfer window and has courted the attention of Newcastle United, with his position in the Arsenal side under threat.

Captain Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz are all attack-minded options in central midfield ahead of Smith Rowe alongside a more conservative midfielder – but despite his injury problems, the Gunners are not concerned about Smith Rowe or his place in the squad. 

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Sources have indicated that Arteta is still committed to Smith Rowe's future at the club, with the midfielder having another three years on his contract. His groin issues have cleared since surgery, with this new knee injury being unrelated – and the club do not wish to sell him.

Arsenal have been linked with new midfielders in recent weeks and having spent heavily in the summer, have financial restrictions to comply with. Despite this, they view Smith Rowe highly and do not want to lose him. 

(L-R) Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal at London Colney on August 08, 2023 in St Albans, England.

Emile Smith Rowe has a contract until 2026 (Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Hale End academy graduate has made 104 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions.

Transfermarkt values Smith Rowe at €30 million.

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.