Arsenal will be looking to keep hold of midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe this summer after Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to make the 22-year-old a key part of his plans.

There had been rumors that the Gunners could be willing to offload the attacker after a testing 2022-23 campaign with injuries. However, Arsenal have always held Smith-Rowe in high regard after rejecting moves from Aston Villa in 2021.

Smith-Rowe among key players for Arsenal

According to the latest reports at The Athletic, the Gunners will fight off summer interest in the English midfielder. Smith-Rowe made just 14 appearances throughout the 2022-23 campaign, as he struggled with injuries.

However, the Englishman is contracted to the club until 2026, and he could have a key part to play at the club next season.

The 22-year-old will be a key player this summer for his national side in the U21 EUROs, and there is hope within the Arsenal camp that the tournament could see him return to training with the Gunners in peak fitness condition ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.