Emile Smith Rowe asks for Arsenal No.10 shirt: Mikel Arteta reminds him of the consequences
Emile Smith Rowe on Thursday signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners. The 20-year-old has also been given the No 10 shirt, previously worn by Mesut Ozil, for the upcoming season. The Premier League club announced the commencement of the deal but did not reveal its duration. The Gunners have also handed their iconic No.10 jersey (previously worn by Mesut Ozil) to the young midfielder. The Gunners boss pointed out that the talented 20-year-old “knows the consequences” of taking on an iconic jersey.
What Mikel Arteta has said about Smith Rowe’s interest to wear to No.10 Jersey
Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal Media of Smith Rowe landing fresh terms and a shirt number promotion: “I think he totally deserves that new contract, he has earned every right to be in the position where the club had to think about rewarding what he has done and he has shown his commitment to the football club.
“So, when that relationship builds in the way that it is getting, that is a really strong and powerful message for everybody. We want and I want hungry, talented players who play with huge desire and Emile fits all of that.
“If that is the case and you are on board and you show that commitment, desire, quality and talent every single day, you are at the right club at the right moment, and I think Emile feels the same way.
“He asked for the No.10 shirt, so that shows you the ambition and desire. I prefer players who ask for more than maybe they can take but if they believe they can do it, don’t put a limit on it. When he asked me and asked the club that he would like to get that number, okay, let’s go.
“We talked a little bit, we discussed it and he know the consequences of that, but he feels prepared to do it and if he is prepared to do it, then I am going to be right behind him to try to make him as comfortable and as happy as possible to do what he wants to do.”
“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. His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive.
“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.”
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Arsenal rejected two consecutive bids from Aston Villa, the first one believed to be around £25m and the second one at £30m. Smith Rowe’s previous deal was due to expire in 2023. It is rumoured that the 20-year-old signed a contract till 2026. The length of the new contract has not been made public but is reported in the English media as a five-year deal.
The Arsenal academy graduate arrived at the club when he was nine years old. He has had loan spells at Huddersfield and Leipzig since making his senior debut in 2018. Smith Rowe impressed during the second half of 2020/21 season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 33 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta has high hopes from the 20-year-old highly rated academy graduate. Smith Rowe is following the footsteps of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, Mesut Ozil & will like to put up a show as these iconic legends did.
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