Mikel Arteta confirms he wants "hell of a player" to stay at Arsenal

The England international became a fan favourite at the Emirates during a breakthrough 2021-22 season, in which he came up with 10 Premier League goals after signing a new long-term deal.

However, fitness issues have consistently plagued Smith Rowe since that double-figure campaign, and he has seldom been seen in the Arsenal first XI over the past couple of years.

Wednesday's clash with Luton Town saw the 23-year-old make just his third Premier League start of the season, but he justified his selection by playing a big part in both of the Gunners' goals in their 2-0 triumph.

Operating in an advanced midfield role, Smith Rowe firstly robbed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu of possession to initiate the attack which led to Martin Odegaard's opener, before registering the assist for Daiki Hashioka's own goal.

The playmaker is still under contract at the Emirates for another two seasons, but an exit this summer has been mooted due to his lack of starts, with West Ham United believed to be weighing up an approach.

Smith Rowe is expected to drop back down to the bench for Saturday's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, but speaking in his pre-game press conference, Arteta confirmed that he wants to keep the Englishman around this summer.

When asked whether he still sees a future for Smith Rowe at the Emirates, Arteta replied: «Yes. I look at him and what happened in the last two seasons especially with him. What happened three seasons ago as well.

»Take all that. It's the best thing that could've happened for him in his career if he uses it in the right way now, so don't look