The future of Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe will be resolved this summer after two difficult seasons in which he has hardly featured.
Smith Rowe is a popular figure amongst the Arsenal fanbase, but he appeared on the pitch for just 474 minutes of action this season, after a campaign in which he failed to make a single league start.
The 23-year-old has two years left on his deal, and with Arsenal possibly in the market for a winger such as Michael Olise, and a midfielder such as Bruno Guimaraes, he will fall further down the pecking order.
Smith Rowe still holds a lot of value, and a sale would be pure profit which will boost Arsenal’s position over profit and sustainability rules, meaning that even if Mikel Arteta wants to keep him as a backup, he may be forced to sell.
Journalist Charles Watts has now revealed what Smith Rowe’s stance over an exit from his boyhood club this summer is.
Emile Smith Rowe wants to stay in Premier League if he leaves Arsenal
In his Daily Briefing, Watts revealed that talks are set to take place between Arsenal and Smith Rowe to find a solution over his future, and should he depart, his preference is to stay in England rather than move abroad.
“Smith Rowe has a deep affection for Arsenal, but at 23 there is an acceptance that stability and regular playing time is now vital to reignite a career that has stalled over the last couple of years,” he explained.
“Talks over his long-term future will now take place, with several clubs – both in England and abroad – keeping tabs on the England international.
“West Ham had a loan enquiry swiftly knocked back in January, but they have yet to follow up that interest now David Moyes has been replaced by Julen Lopetegui.
“If Smith Rowe is to leave Arsenal, his preference would be to stay in the Premier League.”
Where could Emile Smith Rowe go?
Arsenal fans may prefer seeing Smith Rowe move abroad rather than playing for another Premier League side, but this is clearly not his preference.
A move abroad, even if on loan, could help him find his form again, in a similar way to what Jadon Sancho has enjoyed since returning to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United.
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Smith Rowe previously spent time at RB Leipzig on loan, and a move back to the Bundesliga could have been good for him if he was open to it.
Arsenal are likely to receive a higher fee from a Premier League side, and both Aston Villa and Newcastle have long-standing interest in him, making them possible destinations if he decides to move.