Mikel Arteta explains why the club wants to keep this academy graduate

Smith Rowe’s performance against Aston Villa proves why Arsenal kept him at the club.

The Gunners academy graduate was on the verge of joining Villa this summer on loan after Grealish joined Man City in the summer.

Mikel Arteta explains why he decided to keep him at the club despite a number of bids in the summer.

“Emile was terrific,” said Arteta. “He is scoring goals. It’s something we are demanding from him because he’s capable of doing.

“That should be a habit and he should demand that in his game because he’s capable of doing it. A player that is developing and he still needs to develop more in other areas as well.

“The other night against Palace, he wasn’t 100% fit, but he wanted to step forward and he wanted to play with a difficult injury that he had. He’s not complaining. He is looking forward and really determined. He’s changed the way he is living as well. And he has been superb.

“Another example why we want to keep him. Why we are giving him an opportunity to do what he can do for our club. And we are happy for him.”

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