Aston Villa may be ‘keeping eyes’ on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, but it does not look that the offensive midfielder will leave the Emirates anytime soon.
This comes after West Ham’s alleged loan attempt for the 23-year-old was rebuffed earlier this week. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated he is pleased with the England international, despite giving him just one Premier League start this season.
Speaking on the Arsenal Academy graduate’s current predicament in North London ahead of today’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, the Spaniard stated: ‘I’m really pleased with Emile. He’s on the correct path. Now that he’s adjusted, he’s training extremely well, and you know I’m not going to discuss individual issues.
Smith Rowe made only his 13th Premier League appearance of the season, coming on in the 69th minute versus Palace at the Emirates.
That lack of playing time has fueled conjecture over his future, with Unai Emery said to be a fan of the forward-thinking ace. Villa were initially linked with Smith Rowe when Steven Gerrard was in charge 18 months ago, but the Arsenal player is still on the club’s radar.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has no intention of letting the player depart on loan because he is still an important member of Arteta’s team. The attacking midfielder is also thought to be satisfied at Arsenal.
Villa are looking to sign more attacking players this month. They have had two bids rejected for Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers, who started the Championship game against Rotherham on Saturday.
