It’s surprising that Emile Smith Rowe has only started one Premier League game since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, especially considering he scored 10 goals in the previous season. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered the 23-year-old’s progress and he has fallen down Mikel Arteta’s list of preferred players. Smith Rowe has been on the bench for eight Premier League games this season, prompting speculation that he may leave Arsenal during the January transfer window. However, according to The Athletic, Smith Rowe is not actively seeking a move away from the club. He believes that he has the ability to regain a more prominent role in the team.
Ahead of summer, clubs will be keeping an eye on Smith Rowe’s playing time. Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to use him more often has been puzzling, possibly due to concerns about his previous injuries. While Kai Havertz initially impressed, he has been mostly disappointing, leaving Arsenal fans eager for Smith Rowe to get more opportunities. Aston Villa has long been interested in him, and other clubs could follow suit if he becomes available. As a result, many teams will be closely watching his playing time in the second half of the season.
