Arsenal: 5 players with important contract situations to sort out

Emile Smith Rowe

Anything other than a new long-term contract for Emile Smith Rowe is unacceptable. Good thing it will happen then, as there is little doubt this isn’t already well underway.

It has emerged since the beginning of the year that talks have already begun to tie Smith Rowe down to a similar contract as the one handed to Bukayo Saka upon his stunning rise into football stardom, and keeping hold of the core that is becoming the present of this side let alone the future of it is essential.

What Arteta is building relies on a youthful heart that will become the foundation for supplementary progression. Smith Rowe is at the centre of that.

There is confidence from all sides that this will go ahead without a hitch, which is vital given how serious it is putting his pen to paper on new terms.

What aids Arsenal is an undoubted love Smith Rowe has for his club. He bleeds red and white despite being from south London, feelings that are plastered across his face every time he embarks on a heartwarming post-match interview.

Already an England Under-21 international, it won’t be long before he’s getting a call-up to the senior side even with the abundance of stunning talent at Gareth Southgate’s disposal. The 20-year-old has all the tools and the right attitude to reach the very top, and the perfect environment for him to do so.