Emile Smith Rowe does NOT fear £65m Kai Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal amid midfield competition
Bring it on! Emile Smith Rowe is NOT scared of the arrival of £65million Kai Havertz, insisting the German brings ‘healthy competition’ in midfield to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta reloads for new title contender
While a new signing delights supporters, it can occasionally raise questions in the dressing room about whose place is at risk, as is the case with Kai Havertz coming to Arsenal.
The German became Mikel Arteta’s first signing of the summer after sealing a £65 million move from city rivals Chelsea and is targeting a starting midfield role.
Although his arrival, along with Declan Rice, who moves closer to Arsenal after a £105 million fee was agreed, brings more competition to the Gunners’ ranks, Emile Smith Rowe is up for the challenge.
The Arsenal academy graduate had to spend most of last season on the treatment table, and while Havertz was able to dislodge him from Arteta’s plans, he is thrilled by the arrival of his new team-mate.
“I see what is happening and of course it is good for the club to strengthen the team,” he told the club Sun.
Emile Smith Rowe (pictured) not worried about losing his place at Arsenal to newcomer Kai Havertz
Smith Rowe (left) believes Havertz (right) is an ‘exciting’ addition to Arsenal’s midfield
“I feel like the additions we are making will really push the team forward again.
“It’s really exciting so hopefully next season we can take it a step further,” he added.
‘Of course (it’s extra competition with the arrival of Havertz), but this is football.
‘You just have to get on with it. I have to keep working hard and it’s a healthy competition. I have to keep fighting,” he said.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their ranks after enduring another year without trophies, which saw them painfully slip in the Premier League title race against Manchester City.
They were also eliminated from the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup as all hopes were pinned on a first league title in almost 20 years.
Smith Rowe (right) is on international duty with England at the U21 European Championship
Smith Rowe hopes he can push back into Mikel Arteta’s plans next season
Havertz was the club’s first major signing of the summer transfer window and more are expected soon with Rice for £105m and talks are also underway for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
Smith Rowe, meanwhile, hopes he can rediscover the form that led to him becoming one of Arsenal’s brightest talents alongside Bukayo Saka.
A groin injury significantly hampered his playing time last season and Arteta then decided to opt for a different forward instead of the 22-year-old in the run-up to the end of the season.
However, his future looks secure for now as the club are reportedly eager to continue the development of Smith Rowe, even as they prepare for more incoming players.
