Arteta & Wenger agree on $22m 'new signing' as 3 Arsenal players await return

Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta has transformed the football club from top to bottom since taking over in 2019 yet this summer is the biggest one of his tenure

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad has evolved so much in the Spaniard's four years at the club, but there has been one constant throughout.

After successful loan spells with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe became an established first team member under Arteta in the 2021/22 season, contributing to 13 goals in 37 games. In fact, for some supporters, the playmaker was on par with Saka.

"We were all very happy to see him lift the trophy. And you can see he can do something different with his energy and the way he has come back, he is in a really good place."

Having clocked up another 45 minutes in the tank against Barcelona, Smith Rowe has one more opportunity - against Monaco on Wednesday - to put forward his case to Arteta.

Against the La Liga champions, the versatile ace replaced Kai Havertz in the 'attacking eight' role. With Leandro Trossard taking up a position ahead of him on the left, Smith Rowe was allowed the space to venture out wide or tuck into the areas open inbetween the lines.

"We had always a good youth system, with good young players. It's good to see that they come out. We just spoke about injuries and touch wood that these players [don't get long-term injuries].

"It's a sensitive part between 20-22, once they get game after game to see if their body can adapt and cope with it. Lets hope. They look to me to have top quality and as well, a good mentality so I am quite optimistic for them."

"My ambition is to get some more minutes this season and really push on. Last year was really hard for me, so I just want to kick on now and prove that I can play for