Aston Villa tried twice and failed to snatch the 20-year-old (in 6 days will turn 21), but the Gunners were confident Emile Smith Rowe will stay at the Emirates Stadium..Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu couldn’t hide their satisfaction after a job well done.”As we all saw last season, Emile is an intelligent player with excellent ability. His sharpness on the turn and exceptional vision have already made him a key player for us.” Arteta said.”His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive. Huge credit to our team in our academy who have given Emile a great education and have worked superbly to help with his development through the age groups.New season.New contract.New number.✍️ @emilesmithrowe pic.twitter.com/DT13LjBD1B— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2021 “Along with the first-team staff, huge credit also goes to our senior players, who have played such an important role to help Emile develop, gain confidence and perform the way he did last season.”I know the fans will join us in being delighted that Emile has committed his future to the club.”We’re now looking forward to helping him develop further and seeing him become even more important to the strong young team we’re building.”Edu had no doubt the young Englishman will stay with his mother-club.”This is another important step forward for us and we’re all delighted that Emile has signed a new long-term contract.”It’s great to see another young player develop through our academy system to become a key part of our first team.Nowhere he’d rather be ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dQKHd3D2oF— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2021 “Emile is a player who represents the future of the club and this is why we have given him the No 10 shirt.”We have trust in Emile and we know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come.”Arsenal fans would agree that the number 10 shirt is in safe hands – after legends such as Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie wore it, and with episodes with Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshire having it on their back, this seems like a right move to make – such a massive number wore by a rising academy prospect.🏡 Where he belongs…@emilesmithrowe is here to stay 🔏— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2021 Smith Rowe had a great campaign with the Gunners – along with Bukayo Saka, two young Arsenal academy players imposed themselves as the future of the club with their mature performances.In 37 matches during the previous season, Smith Rowe collected 7 goals and 7 assists for the north Londoners. New contract has been signed until 2026.
