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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe will stay at Arsenal despite transfer interest from Aston Villa.
Villa have made two bids for the Gunners starlet, which were both rejected by the Gunners – the second was said to be £30million.
The 20-year-old became an influential member of Arteta’s squad in the second half of last season and was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
The starlet became popular with fans and it would not go down well if he was sold to a Premier League rival.
But Arsenal boss Arteta was unequivocal in his response to a question over Smith Rowe’s future.
He said: “Without a question. Yes. He (Smith Rowe) will stay here. 100 per cent.
“No comment (when asked about Aston Villa’s bids).”
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Another player linked with a move away is Willock, who starred with Newcastle on loan last season.
He scored seven goals in seven consecutive games for the Magpies and Steve Bruce was keen on signing him on a permanent deal.
On Willock, Arteta added: “Well he (Willock) wasn’t involved today because he had a little groin issue. He trained yesterday really well but we didn’t want to risk him.
“Joe is part of our plans, he’s our player and in the time that he is here we will try to make the most out of him.
“He had a great experience on loan. He was, I think one of the most important players for their survival.”
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The Gunners have their eyes set on incoming players and not just fending off transfer interest.
The Sun report that they are in talks with Wolves over a deal to sign £35million-rated Ruben Neves.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, is said to be in communication with Gunners chief Edu over a possible deal, but the price tag could be a stumbling block.
Arteta is looking for a new centre-midfield partner for Thomas Partey with Granit Xhaka linked with a move to Roma after excelling during Euro 2020.
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