Emile Smith Rowe makes Arsenal transfer feelings clear after striking Mikel Arteta move

Emile Smith Rowe has been reduced to a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta but it seems he is determined to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal. The 23-year-old made just three starts last season as the Gunners once again fell short in the Premier League title race.

It has been rumoured that Smith Rowe could leave Arsenal this summer in search of regular playing time elsewhere. The likes of Fulham and West Ham have been linked with his services and would be able to offer him a more prominent role in their squads.

However, it seems clear that Smith Rowe is not considering an exit after taking it upon himself to get ready for the new campaign. He started his pre-season training four weeks ahead of schedule, according to CBS, which suggests he is determined to climb up the Arsenal pecking order.

The report states that Arteta flew six Arsenal players to Mallorca for some early pre-season training, which is due to officially begin next month. Ben White, Eddie Nketiah, Jurrien Timber, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira joined Smith Rowe in working on their fitness and form in sunny Spain.

Smith Rowe, however, is said to have flown out a week before any of his team-mates to gain a head start on his fitness work. He is seemingly trying to get himself into the best possible shape for the upcoming campaign by cutting short his own summer break.

Other reports have suggested that Smith Rowe’s future is still uncertain, with just two years remaining on his current deal. His proactive approach to training suggests that he wants to stay at Arsenal rather than jump ship, although it remains to be seen how the situation will play out.

Arteta is clearly a huge fan of Smith Rowe in spite of his limited minutes, with the Spaniard making his feelings clear following Arsenal’s victory over Luton Town in April.

“I love him as a player, he is a joy to watch,” said Arteta. “How he moves, changes direction and how physical he was today without the ball. He went into duels and won a lot of them.

“He was thinking with that killer instinct to play forward and make things happen. When Emile is in that moment, it’s very difficult to stop him. Today he helped us a lot to win the game.”