Arsenal’s Smith-Rowe in last chance saloon as Arteta outlines transfer chat

Mikel Arteta previews Arsenal's clash with Man Utd

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Emile Smith-Rowe will play a part in his plans this season amid speculation about a possible move to Chelsea. The Gunners boss recently sat down with ESR to talk about his future at the club after not featuring in any of Arsenal’s opening three Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Arteta affirms that the Hale End Academy graduate will receive playing time in September, as will other players that haven’t featured so far, although the youngster is facing what looks to be his last chance in the red and white as it remains to be seen where he will fit in the squad going forwards.

“I had a conversation with him and it’s important to understand where he is,” Arteta said. “The first three or four weeks were always going to be tricky for all the clubs.

“You see all the rumours and players who are not happy in every country because it’s one game per week for a month and everybody has a new season with huge aspirations, there are not minutes for everybody. September will be very different.” When asked if Smith-Rowe will still be an Arsenal player once the transfer deadline passes, the Spaniard responded: “Yes.” 

This comes after reports emerged that Chelsea were interested in bringing Smith-Rowe to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues were keen on adding another attacker to their front line this summer and identified Smith-Rowe as a possible additive.

However, their advances were subsequently knocked back by Arsenal and Chelsea instead turned their attention to Cole Palmer. The 21-year-old signed on the dotted line with the west Londoners for an initial £40million plus £2.5m worth of add-ons from Manchester City.

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Palmer was part of the England side which won the European Under-21 Championship this summer. He is a product of the citizen’s academy and joined the club at under-eight level.

“I’m excited to get started and it feels great to sign,” he said after completing his transfer to Chelsea. “I’ve joined Chelsea because the project here sounds good and because of the platform I will have to try to showcase my talents.

“It is a young and hungry squad and, hopefully, we can do something special. He is a fit for the project, a young talented player,” said Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino. “He expects to play more. He’s seen the project for him to improve his game and be more involved.”

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