Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to use Emile Smith Rowe in midfield with Granit Xhaka expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Swiss midfielder is in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a €15million (£13million) deal and sign a contract until 2027 this summer, football.london understands.
Xhaka has thrived in a new role under Arteta this season, operating as a box-to-box midfielder alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. The Gunners will need to find a quality replacement for the departing 30-year-old this summer with reports linking Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo with a move to north London.
football.london understands that West Ham United midfielder Rice is Arteta's priority for the summer window as the north Londoners look to strengthen their options in the centre of the park, with Caicedo also one name on the club's shortlist of options. The arrivals of new midfielders at the club could spell the end of Smith Rowe's time with his boyhood club as speculation over his future continues to circulate ahead of the summer transfer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal make huge Declan Rice decision as first summer transfer nears
The Hale End graduate hasn't started a single match in all competitions this season, but was one of Arsenal's best players last term but mainly operated in a wide-attacking role. Former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell believes Smith Rowe can be trained by Arteta into becoming Xhaka's replacement as a No.8 in midfield.
The Switzerland international is set to leave after seven years in north London and that could open up the opportunity for the English playmaker to take on a new role in the team. Campbell told Highbury Squad: "He stays, I think Emile Smith Rowe stays.
"I think Smith Rowe has to stick to one position. I know he can play a couple, but he needs to say ‘I want to be a number eight’ for example, and that’s his position.
"He can play here, there or anywhere. If you bring in a specialist they will play.
"Rumour has it that they’re teaching him the Xhaka role, so we don’t know, it’s been one of those seasons," he added. If Arsenal do sign Rice and Caicedo, this could limit Smith Rowe's first-team involvements further with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus the first choice attacking line-up used by Arteta.
football.london understands that the Gunners have been putting in the groundwork to sign the West Ham captain since before January. With an ability to progress the ball from deep, superb passing range and impressive leadership, Rice could be the perfect fit for Arteta and take over from Xhaka in midfield next season.
READ NEXT:
Martin Odegaard set for talks over Arsenal contract as Gunners continue proactive approach
How Man United signing Kim Min-jae can secure Arsenal transfer windfall
Premier League loophole allows Arsenal to accelerate Moises Caicedo transfer and two more deals
Arsenal discover route to avoid nightmare Champions League draw - but Liverpool can change it
Arsenal news and transfer LIVE: All the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium
