Arsenal: New Emile Smith Rowe contract statement of intent

Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal football club. It is a statement of intent, both for his future and the club’s focus on locking down players’ futures quickly.

One of the most impressive performances of the summer preseason thus far has come from 18-year-old midfielder Emile Smith Rowe. The young Arsenal prospect, who has been likened to Jack Wilshere and Kevin de Bruyne in his style and skill, made his first senior appearance in an 8-0 win over Boreham Wood earlier in the summer, and has since featured against both Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

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His best performance may have come against PSG, introduced mid-way through the second half, displaying the poise and artistry that many had adorned him with during his progression through the Gunners’ academy, but it was his fabulous goal against Atletico a few days prior that really put his name in lights for many more casual fans.

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And Arsenal have not wasted any time in rewarding Smith Rowe for his efforts. Perhaps the most talented player to come from the club’s academy has signed a new long-term contract — it will likely be a five or potentially even six-year deal — that will keep him at the club for the foreseeable future. It is good news. Unquestionably. Smith Rowe is a wonderfully gifted player who has a bright future ahead of him. Unsurprisingly, it is wise to keep those kinds of players around.

The timing of the deal should not go unnoticed. Within days of Smith Rowe announcing himself to the footballing general public, Ivan Gazidis, likely with the help of contracts expert Huss Fahmy, wasted no time in ensuring that his future was secure. Even if Smith Rowe does not fulfil his potential, Arsenal should still be able to cash in on his talent thanks to this very contract.

It is a statement of intent from the club, both in regards to the club’s changing attitude towards contracts and Smith Rowe’s potential.

Under Arsene Wenger, contracts were often unorganised, ostensibly forgotten or undervalued. Time and time again, the club lost great talent because their long-term futures were not secured. Not so here. Smith Rowe and whatever he will become in the coming years will be staying at the Emirates. That is a change in how this club has run things in recent years.

It also a statement of Smith Rowe himself, his talent, the progression that he is expected to make, the star potential that he boasts. His performances for the under-18s last season, his blossoming this summer, and his anticipated trajectory in the coming years. A statement is being made about all of them here.

Obviously, Smith Rowe still has much work to do to deliver on his talent. But this is a statement of intent from Arsenal. This is a special player and they want him to stay.