Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s plans to try and extend Emile Smith Rowe’s contract, and insists the player wants to stay.

In recent weeks, reports have started to emerge that Arsenal are trying to extend Emile Smith Rowe’s contract. When asked about the rumours, Mikel Arteta admitted there was truth in them, and he claimed the young midfielder wants to stay.

“We are going to have that discussion,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “I think Emile has earned the right to look at that situation because of the performances that he has produced. He’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us, that’s for sure.”

Back in March, Fabrizio Romano told the Here We Go Podcast that Arsenal were happy with Emile Smith Rowe and intended to extend his contract in the coming months.

The Daily Mail had also previously reported that the club would offer Smith Rowe a wage increase from around £15k-a-week to £40k.

Then, David Ornstein and The Athletic added that “Arsenal have now opened negotiations over a fresh deal” with Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe has made 28 first-team appearances this season despite only receiving his first league start under Mikel Arteta on Boxing Day.

The midfielder has scored two goals and assisted seven for the first team, as well as his three goals for the u23s, and he’s impressed even when not directly contributing to the goals. It’s no surprise Arsenal want to keep him around.