Transfer: Arteta assures Arsenal star of ‘chances’ after interest from EPL clubs

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has promised Emile Smith Rowe that he has a part to play in his team this season amid reports of transfer interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United for the attacking midfielder.

Smith Rowe was the subject of a late inquiry from Chelsea during the summer transfer window but Arsenal rejected the approach from their Premier League rivals.

Newcastle, on the other hand, have been linked with the English star in the current January transfer window.

Smith Rowe has started just one Premier League game for the Gunners this season and has featured only six times in the English top-flight league.

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

But Arteta has no plans to let the 23-year-old leave the Emirates unless the player himself is keen on a move, adding that he would have his chance.

When asked about rumours that Smith Rowe almost left the North London club in the summer, Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Liverpool on Sunday, “That was never part of our plans.”

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.”