Mikel Arteta is ‘undecided’ on ‘Jadon Sancho-like offer’ for star, says Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe, a midfielder for Arsenal, has only played 138 minutes in the Premier League this season due to injuries. Arsenal has had a strong start to the season, winning 13 of their first 21 matches and positioning themselves as title contenders, just five points behind the league leaders, Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s team hopes to win at least one piece of silverware this season. However, Smith Rowe’s limited playing time has made it difficult for him to showcase his abilities to Arteta, leading to interest in his situation from clubs across Europe, including an approach from West Ham that was rejected earlier in the month.
RB Leipzig, a Bundesliga club, believes Smith Rowe has the potential to lead them to the Champions League, as they have previously worked with him in 2019. Although Smith Rowe made only three appearances during his time in Germany due to a groin injury, a potential return to RB Leipzig on loan could increase his value in time for the summer transfer window, similar to how Manchester United allowed Jadon Sancho to return to Borussia Dortmund. While Arteta is undecided on allowing Smith Rowe to leave, he acknowledges the midfielder has something to offer, even if he is not part of the first-team plans for the coming months. Despite this, Smith Rowe could force his exit from Arsenal, with Arteta insisting he will not keep players who are not willing to fight for their place in the first-team.
The interest from Leipzig comes at an opportune time, giving Smith Rowe the chance to prove his commitment to Arsenal by either rejecting the offer or by moving to a club competing at the highest level, potentially increasing interest in him for the summer transfer window.
