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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta blocking transfer for Gunners star that excites him
Arsenal could still let several players leave before the domestic transfer deadline on Friday.
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Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to keep Emile Smith Rowe at the club for the first half of the season amid loan interest. The attacking midfielder is rated very highly by the Arsenal board, who wants to spend time working on his development.
The 20-year-old spent time on loan at Huddersfield last season and the Yorkshire club are interested in bringing him back for another season.
In 2019, Smith Rowe also spent time away from Arsenal on loan at RB Leipzig, where he struggled for minutes.
Yet despite his low profile in north London, Smith Rowe has already made a big impression with Arteta.
With Arsenal in the Europa League again this season, the 20-year-old could be in line for more opportunities.
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According to Goal, Arteta wants to keep Smith Rowe at the club for at least the first half of the season.
While the player is unlikely to receive regular Premier League minutes, he will get the chance to be part of Arteta's training sessions on a weekly basis.
He can develop and grow at London Colney under the tutelage of the Spaniard, who has made it clear he is excited to work with him.
Speaking after the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa in July, Arteta singled out the youngster for praise.
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“He’s a player with very specific qualities to play in those pockets in that position as an attacking midfielder,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“I am excited to work with him. I have been talking with him and I have followed him during his spell on loan. I think he’s someone who can be pretty impressive.
“I’m pleased by what I’ve seen from him. He needed that exposure and he looks more mature now.
“I think he will be in a much better place when he comes back in pre-season.”
William Saliba is now also unlikely to leave the club despite being left out of the Europa League squad.
The defender came close to rejoining Saint-Etienne on a season-long loan before time ran out at the end of the transfer window.
He did look set to feature under Arteta this season but the Arsenal manager still seems hesitant to put him in the side.
Fulham also explored a loan deal but now Arsenal are set to keep him despite links to Brentford.