Mikel Arteta provides update on Emile Smith Rowe’s Arsenal future amid links with Fulham after he failed to feature in the Gunners’ 1-1 pre-season draw with Bournemouth
- Arsenal played their first friendly against Bournemouth in the US
- Emile Smith Rowe did not play in the 1-1 draw after being linked with Fulham
- Mikel Arteta has now provided an update on his future at the club
Mikel Arteta has hinted at a departure for Emile Smith Rowe amid rumours he is set to stay at Fulham.
Earlier today it was reported that Fulham are close to an agreement for the attacking midfielder for a transfer fee believed to be around £30million.
The 23-year-old did not play in Arsenal’s 1-1 defeat to Bournemouth in Los Angeles despite all outfield players being substituted for the match.
On Smith Rowe’s future, Arteta said: ‘Yes, there are things going on in the background at the moment. We decided it was best to keep him out of the game today.’
The Spaniard fielded a team full of young players against Bournemouth and was enthusiastic about their performance.
Emile Smith Rowe did not play against Bournemouth after being linked with a move to Fulham
Mikel Arteta has now hinted that Smith Rowe’s departure from Arsenal is imminent
Arteta was pleased with the performances of his young players, including Ethan Nwaneri (pictured), on Wednesday evening
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri were among the youth players who were given a starting place and excelled.
He said: ‘Very happy. We have a very different context today with so many young players – most of them making their debut for us.
“I was really happy to see them. Just looking at their faces and seeing the energy and knowing that they were going to be involved, it was amazing.
“And I think the seniors played a good game. It was a very competitive game against Bournemouth, as we expected.
“They are a little bit ahead of us in the time they had to prepare. Good competitive game, with a lot to take away.”
