Transfer Centre

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe rules out summer exit

By Ben Sully | 18 June 2023

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe rules out the possibility of a summer departure, amid speculation surrounding his future in North London.

Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe has insisted that he will not leave the club this summer despite being linked with a move away.

Smith Rowe saw his 2022-23 campaign heavily affected by injury after he tore his groin in Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in September.

The 22-year-old had to undergo surgery and received a setback when he developed an infection after returning to training.

Despite making his return to training in January, Smith Rowe had to settle for rare substitute appearances with Mikel Arteta reluctant to rotate his side during a title race.

Smith Rowe ended the campaign with just 14 appearances in all competitions, and he has admitted that it was the toughest season of his career.

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe looks dejected after being substituted due to injury on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking to The Times, he said: "I just want to be on the pitch. This was the hardest season of my career. It was tough, but we were in a title race and I understand the manager isn't going to change the team if we're winning every game.

"I just tried to stay positive and train as well as I could. The other players and Mikel were great with me, kept me feeling connected. But it was tough, a long season. I won't lie."

Due to his lack of playing time, the Arsenal academy graduate has been linked with a move away from North London this summer.

However, Smith Rowe has made it clear that he has no plans to leave the club in the near future, with his contract set to run until June 2026.

England Under-21s Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring their first goal with Morgan Gibbs-White and Harvey Elliott on March 25, 2023 © Reuters

"Arsenal are my club and I'm not going to give up until [Arteta] says he doesn't want me," Smith Rowe added."But that's not the case. He wants me as part of the team and I want to fight for my place and get back in the team."

The midfielder, who spent time on loan at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, has played 96 competitive games for Arsenal, scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists.

Smith Rowe is currently preparing to represent England at the Under-21 European Championship in Romania and Georgia.

England will play Czech Republic in their opening match on June 22, before rounding off the group stage against Israel and Germany.