Here is your Arsenal morning digest on Friday, July 23.
Smith Rowe signs new deal
Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal amid interest from Aston Villa.
The 20-year-old Hale End academy graduate entered the final two years of his deal, but has now committed his future to the Gunners.
Villa had seen two offers for Smith Rowe turned down by Arsenal, but speculation over his future will now go away following the extension.
Smith Rowe told Arsenal's official website: "Yeah, 100 per cent.
"I said that in an interview and I mean it definitely. I can't wait to carry on playing for this wonderful club and we'll see what happens.
"[Signing my new contract] means so much to me. I've been waiting for it, and to carry on playing for this club, it means so much to me and I'm so happy.
"I feel like I didn't really have to think about it too much you know. I've been at the club since I was 10 years old, so for me it was just about carrying on at this club, so like I said, I'm really happy."
"But at certain moments you need some consistency... you see all the successful teams, they have some consistency in the starting elevens and get that chemistry, that cohesion, that togetherness there. We haven't been able to do that."
When Arsenal take to the field in mid-August to face Brentford, the starting XI Arteta puts out could be largely unrecognisable from last term.
Read the full story here.
Arsenal slammed for transfer business
Trevor Sinclair has slammed Arsenal after hearing reports of a £32million offer for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new shot-stopper despite letting Emiliano Martinez leave the club last summer to join Aston Villa, where he shone in his first season.
This is something Sinclair referenced when talking about the reported bid for Ramsdale.
The former England international told talkSPORT : "Listen, I don't get it.
"We've said before, Emi Martinez going to Villa – why? He was playing superbly well for Arsenal.
"They've allowed their best goalkeeper to leave and now they are chasing their tail trying to get someone in to give competition for Leno.
"I just don't understand how Arsenal is being run as a football club."
Read the full story here.
Arsenal's Lacazette stance
Arsenal are open to selling striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer, according to The Athletic.
Lacazette has just under 12 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners, meaning this summer is the club's last opportunity to cash in on the former Lyon star.
With Tammy Abraham reportedly being a target, and with his £40m price tag, the Arsenal striker could be sold to generate some funds for the Chelsea man.
There is a 'willingness to let him leave - if an appropriate offer arrives'.
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