Emile Smith Rowe is the latest young star to begin contract negotiations with Arsenal, according to reports.
The Gunners confirmed Folarin Balogun’s new four-year deal earlier on Monday.
He joined English winger Bukayo Saka in signing a long-term contract at the Emirates.
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According to The Athletic, Arsenal have lined up a new deal for 20-year-old Smith Rowe next.
They’ve been impressed by his influence on the first team this season and want to tie him down to fresh terms.
The attacking midfielder’s current deal expires in June 2023 and looks set to be replaced with a long-term one.
Smith Rowe is yet to score in the Premier League in 2020/21, although he has registered four assists.
He helps to make Mikel Arteta’s side tick and is forming a great relationship with Alexandre Lacazette and Saka.
The loan signing of Martin Odegaard in January was expected to be a problem for Smith Rowe in north London.
The pair operate in similar positions, but Arteta has managed to give them both ample game time.
Smith Rowe is seen as an important player for the future, so Arsenal want to fend off potential interest in him by rewarding him with a new contract. His wages will be massively increased as a result.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a permanent move for Odegaard. He is seeking a Bernabeu exit due to his poor relationship with Zinedine Zidane.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has badly impacted Arsenal’s transfer funds. They might be put off by Real Madrid’s £52million asking price for Odegaard, meaning Smith Rowe may be prioritised instead.
The summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one for Arsenal.
David Luiz, Lucas Torreira and Reiss Nelson could all leave the Emirates.
Balogun’s contract extension means Eddie Nketiah, who scored a late equaliser against Fulham recently, might be sold to West Ham.
Mat Ryan’s loan deal from Brighton is on the edge of being made permanent. The Gunners will have to pay around £5million to secure the Australian keeper’s services.
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