OLANREWAJU IBITOYE
Arsenal’s young and talented Emile Smith Rowe has been tied down to a long term contract. The new contract will see the highly sought-after attacking midfielder stay at the Emirates for the next five seasons and also wears the number 10 Jersey for the London club.
The 20-year-old, who has already been at the club for 10 years, was under contract with Arsenal until 2023 and earned £20,000-per-week before his new deal was agreed.
Smith Rowe will see his wages go up to £40,000 per week, doubling his £1.04m-a-year salary.
The 19-year-old who will be 20 in the next five days brought vision, creativity and goal threat to Arsenal’s attack in the just concluded season and will be hoping to better his four goals and seven assists in 33 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League.
As a result of his agility and attacking prowess, the decision to hand him the No 10 shirt reflects just how highly he is regarded within the club.
Technical Director Edu said: “Emile is a player who represents the future of the club and this is why we have given him the No 10 shirt. We have trust in Emile and we know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come.”
“It’s great, from a young kid I’ve always wanted to play for this club. All the young players, it’s good for us to get opportunities so I’m really happy to be playing for this club.
“Everyone knows that No. 10 is a big shirt and it is definitely a big position as well. So I’m buzzing to be honest, I can’t wait to get on the pitch,” Smith Rowe, who was formerly wearing Jersey number 32, told Arsenal.com.
He added, “It’s really special – I can’t explain the feeling when I found out. I’ve not really got the words to explain it right now! But yeah, I’m really happy.”