Arsenal rejected a move from AS Monaco to sign Emile Smith Rowe on a permanent deal, with Mikel Arteta keen to work with the player.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal comes on for Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal comes on for Mesut Ozil on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal knocked back an approach from AS Monaco to sign Emile Smith Rowe this summer. The Ligue 1 club were the first to put in a formal offer for the midfielder on a permanent basis, but the Gunners turned it down.

Crystal Palace have shown interest in loaning the 20-year-old, as have recently-promoted sides Fulham and Leeds United. But right now, it seems Mikel Arteta is still keen to keep the player in his squad for the upcoming season.

Smith Rowe made 19 appearances on loan for Huddersfield Town in the second half of last season, scoring a couple of goals and assisting three. He was highly regarded by the Championship club and helped them avoid relegation.

There’s no doubt the midfielder is a big talent, and he should be playing in the Premier League this year. If that’s with Arsenal, great, but there are clearly loan alternatives if not.

One thing’s for sure, this isn’t the time to sell. Let Smith Rowe prove himself at the top level and bring his value up first. Personally, I don’t want Arsenal to let him go at all, and would happily see him stick around this year.