Granit Xhaka was set to leave Arsenal, leaving Mikel Arteta to fill the vacancy, but the Spaniard identified Emile Smith Rowe as a possible replacement after testing him in training.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified Emile Smith Rowe as a possible replacement for Granit Xhaka this summer.
The Swiss midfielder, who has previously been linked with a move from the Emirates, looks set to seek a new challenge after his most productive season for the club since joining in 2016 Xhaka excelled alongside Thomas Partey, enjoying more freedoms. role.
However, it is reported that Bayer Leverkusen is close to reaching an agreement to bring the midfielder back to the Bundesliga, where he previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach. That will leave Arsenal looking for more reinforcements in the midfield, but Arteta has already started planning. Smith Rowe was one of several players to graduate from the team's academy, but injuries and a lack of game time have stalled his development. He is frequently used in advanced roles, but football.london reports the 22-year-old is training in central midfield.
Arsenal lacked depth in this area throughout the season, with Fabio Vieira being used occasionally. Oleksandr Zinchenko can also come on as a substitute if needed but it is acceptable that Arteta will need to strengthen his options in this area before the Champions League returns.
Smith Rowe's understanding of the environment and systems certainly plays a role in his hands, the Spaniard previously said:
"He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we miss him and how much we need his qualities. And now he has to prove it, he has to prove how much he wants to win and how much he will contribute to make this team better and win. And he's going to have to show that to get into the team."
The Gunners have been reported to be very interested in Declan Rice, who is leaving West Ham this summer. The England international has ambitions to play in the Champions League and is looking for a new challenge with Arsenal's youth team, a very attractive team.
Brighton's Moises Caicedo was interesting in January but the Seagulls have denied interest from north London in the player since signing a new contract. Arteta has spent a lot to recruit Gabriel Jesus, Ben White and Martin Odegaard over the past two summers. Emirates' hierarchy is now set to change their salary structure to ensure they remain near the top of the Premier League. Arsenal are ready to hand over summer funds to Arteta to further bolster his options.
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