Arsenal star assured of game time amid interest from other clubs

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a recent statement has assured Emile Smith Rowe that he remains a key player in his team this season.

This comes amid reports of transfer interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United for the attacking midfielder.

So far this season, Smith Rowe has started once in the Premier League as only six times in the English top-flight league.

He has mostly been an unused substitute or come on for the closing stages of games.

But Arteta is not willing to let the 23-year-old leave the Emirates unless the player himself is keen on a move.

Asked if he would stand in the player’s way should he wish to leave, Arteta added: “This is a two-way conversation all the time with players. I love listening to them about how they are feeling, what is the best thing for them, or what they want to do. Because you really have to be aligned with them and how they are feeling, and they have to feel important.

“This is still the biggest part of the season to play now and we have to be patient, and he will have his chances.”