Emile Smith Rowe signs new long-term Arsenal contract and officially given iconic No10 shirt in huge boost to Gunners

EMILE SMITH ROWE has signed a new 'long-term' deal at Arsenal.

And the Gunners academy graduate has also been rewarded for his excellent performances by being handed the club's iconic No10 shirt.

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Aston Villa showed strong interest in the attacking midfielder earlier this summer, having a bids worth £25million and £30m turned down by the North Londoners.

But Smith Rowe himself has now put rumours to bed by committing his future to Mikel Arteta's side.

Upon sealing the deal, Spaniard Arteta told Arsenal's official website: "As we all saw last season, Emile is an intelligent player with excellent ability.

"His sharpness on the turn and exceptional vision have already made him a key player for us. His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive.

"Huge credit to our team in our academy who have given Emile a great education and have worked superbly to help with his development through the age groups.

“Along with the first-team staff, huge credit also goes to our senior players, who have played such an important role to help Emile develop, gain confidence and perform the way he did last season.

We’re now looking forward to helping him develop further and seeing him become even more important to the strong young team we’re building

Mikel Arteta

"I know the fans will join us in being delighted that Emile has committed his future to the club.

"We’re now looking forward to helping him develop further and seeing him become even more important to the strong young team we’re building."

Having been handed his club debut in 2018 Smith Rowe, 20, rose to prominence last season - hardly looking back after being handed a start in Arsenal's 3-1 Boxing Day win over Chelsea.

And Gunners technical director Edu believes that he can be a 'beautiful player' for a number of years for the North Londoners.

He said: "This is another important step forward for us and we’re all delighted that Emile has signed a new long-term contract.

"It’s great to see another young player develop through our academy system to become a key part of our first team.

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"Emile is a player who represents the future of the club and this is why we have given him the No10 shirt.

"We have trust in Emile and we know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come."

Smith Rowe's new squad number appeared to be leaked last weekend, when picture circulated on social media, showing a beaming Smith Rowe wearing a mint-green training kit with the number '10' on it.

Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp wore the No10 shirt for a decade of brilliance, while it has also been the squad number for Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere.

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