On Thursday afternoon, Arsenal fans got the news they had been waiting for all summer.
Emile Smith Rowe's new five-year contract was announced, thus ending speculation of a surprise transfer to Aston Villa who have had multiple bids rejected for the attacking midfielder.
"Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new long-term contract with the club," a statement on Arsenal.com read. "The attacking midfielder has been with us since the age of nine and progressed through the ranks at our Hale End academy, featuring for all our youth sides during his development with the club.
"His development and hard work with our academy colleagues in recent years culminated with his big impact in the first team last season, making 33 appearances across all competitions."
The new contract wasn't the only announcement as Smith Rowe has also changed shirt number.
For the upcoming 2021/22 season the 20-year-old will have the No.10 on the back of his shirt as he takes over from Mesut Ozil, who vacated it during the January transfer window.
Smith Rowe certainly has some big shoes to fill as the iconic shirt number has also been worn by the likes of Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, and Dennis Bergkamp in the Premier League era.
But judging by the response of the attacking midfielder's teammates, they certainly think he's up to the task.
One player in particular who is elated for Smith Rowe is William Saliba.
Despite joining Marseille on loan earlier in the month, the Frenchman is clearly keeping a close eye on events at his parent club and reacted to Smith Rowe's double announcement with a classy message on Instagram.
"So happy for you my bro," Saliba wrote.
The Hale End academy graduate spoke in detail about what it means to be handed the shirt.
Smith Rowe told Arsenal's official website: "Everyone knows that No.10 is a big shirt and it is definitely a big position as well. So I’m buzzing to be honest, I can’t wait to get on the pitch.
"When I was younger I used to watch Dennis Bergkamp, and when I was going through the academy Mesut Ozil was here as well and getting the opportunity to train with him and play with him as well was unbelievable.
"I just want to keep working hard and hopefully I can play like them and replicate what they've done."
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