A highly-rated product of the Emirates Stadium academy system follows Dennis Bergkamp’s footsteps, Robin van Persie and Mesut Ozil.
Arteta is confident that Rowe fully deserves a new contract
Mikel Arteta has expressed that Emile Smith Rowe asked to be given the No.10 jersey at Arsenal, with the Gunners’ boss pointing out that the talented 20-year-old “knows the consequences” of taking the iconic jersey. A highly-rated product of the Emirates Stadium academy system follows Dennis Bergkamp’s footsteps, Robin van Persie and Mesut Ozil. He has also committed to a new long-term contract, bringing any uncertainty surrounding his future to an end. Arteta is now looking for a confident character to fulfil his potential and embrace a prominent standing in an ambitious lineup. Arteta has told reporters of Smith Rowe about the new conditions and a shirt number promotion: “I think he fully deserves that new contract, he has earned every right to be in the position where the club had to think about the reward for what he did, and he showed his commitment to the football club.
The coach wants hungry, talented players
“Therefore, that relationship builds in the way that it is getting, that is a solid and powerful signal for everyone. We want, and I want hungry, talented players who play with great desire, and Emile suits all of that. If that is the case and you are on board, and you show that commitment, desire, quality and talent every day, you are in the right club at the right time, and I think Emile feels the same way. He asked for the No.10 jersey, so that shows you the ambition and aspiration. I prefer footballers who ask for more than they can take, but if they believe they can do it, don’t put a limit on it. When he asked me and asked the club that he would like to get this number, okay, let’s go.”
“We talked a little bit, we discussed it, and he knows the consequences of that, but he feels prepared to do it, and if he is ready to do it, then I will be right behind him to try to make him as comfortable and happy as possible to do what he wants to do.”