Arsenal have already turned down two transfer bids for Emile Smith Rowe this summer (Picture: Getty)Emile Smith Rowe appears in line for a new Arsenal squad number after he was pictured deliberately obscuring his training shirt during a pre-season training photo shoot. The 20-year-old cemented a place as a first team regular last season after he was drafted into the side by Mikel Arteta following a series of disappointing results. Smith Rowe rewarded his manager’s faith by producing a series of outstanding displays which saw Arsenal make a marked improvement over the second half of an ultimately disappointing campaign. With Dani Ceballos having returned to Real Madrid, the No.8 is currently vacant and would be best suited to the attacking midfielder. Arsenal have already confirmed that last summer’s headline signing, Thomas Paryey, will wear No.5 during the 2021/22 season, with his favourite number now vacant following the departure of Sokratis Papastathopolous.

Source: Metro July 13, 2021 13:52 UTC