Arsenal have announced that they have tied down starlet Emile Smith Rowe to a new long-term deal with the club.
The youngster has penned a new reported five-year deal, which if correct would keep him at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2026.
The Gunners' faithful are over the moon at the news considering fellow Premier League side Aston Villa were interested in signing the silky playmaker.
However, football.london reported earlier this month that the north London side were 'confident' in a deal being signed and after lengthy discussions, the 20-year-old decided to stay with the club he has been with since he was ten years old.
Arsenal have been successful with their contract negotiations in recent times, tying down highly-rated duo Folarin Balogun and Arthur Okonkwo to long-term deals in recent weeks.
Fans of the north London club took to social media to voice their delight at the news. Here's how a select number of supporters reacted on Twitter to the news.
@Bobbybtb90: "Announce Madison please, thanks.
@VipArsenal: "Bukayo Saka 2024, Gabriel Martinelli 2024, Gabriel Magalhaes 2025, Folarin Balogun 2025, Kieran Tierney 2026, Emile Smith Rowe 2026. The future secured. Something to smile about as an Arsenal fan!"
@mariEsc0barStan: "Saka and ESR will define a massive era of change for Arsenal. So obvious. Love it."
@ByJohnSmith: "Tying down Emile Smith Rowe to a new long term contract is one of the best signings we've made over the years. Been saying for years he would become a top player and now he's living up to the hype. Formerly one of my favourite academy players, now one of my favourites overall."
Smith Rowe will wear the no. 10 shirt for the club next season after German playmaker Mesut Ozil vacated the iconic jersey when he left for Turkish side Fenerbahce back in January.
Chief executive Edu Gaspar admitted Smith Rowe was handed the shirt as a testament to his sky-high potential.
Edu said: "Emile is a player who represents the future of the Club and this is why we have given him the number 10 shirt. We have trust in Emile and we know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come.”
The England-under 21 international notched four goals and eight assists across all competitions last term, impressive reading considering he only was handed consistent minutes in the side after Christmas.
