Arsenal have decided against selling attacker Emile Smith Rowe this summer, according to The Athletic.
The 22-year-old suffered many niggling injuries this campaign. In September, he underwent surgery to treat an ongoing growth-related issue. He had an unrelated setback earlier this year.
Smith Rowe could not contribute much to Arsenal’s title chase. He made only 14 appearances and did not start a game during the season.
There were rumours that Arsenal wanted to sell him this summer. He was one of the players on their shortlist to raise money for more incomings.
However, recent reports state that the Gunners have no intentions of selling Smith Rowe. He remains a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal are not worried about his future as he is contracted until 2026. They rejected an offer from Aston Villa for him in 2021 and are ready to do the same this summer.
Arsenal hope Smith Rowe can find form and maintain fitness with England at the upcoming under-21 European Championship.
With only 195 minutes under his belt this term, he needs games to get match-fit. He has shown that he could pick up steam heading into next season.
Smith Rowe came off the bench and notched an assist in their 5-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday.
The Croydon-born forward will want to return to the 2021/22 form that saw him rewarded with an improved five-year contract.
While it has been a rough season for him, the talent is still there and he has plenty of time to fulfil it.
