Mikel Arteta eager to keep hold of Arsenal playmaker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that he wants to keep hold of midfielder Emile Smith Rowe beyond the ongoing campaign.

The England international has endured a difficult season with the Gunners and he has largely been on the bench for them.

Smith Rowe was recently handed a surprise start against Luton Town and he managed to make a mark with a fine display.

The 23-year-old provided a key pass in the lead-up to the opening goal before assisting the own goal from Daiki Hashioka.

Speaking in today's press conference, Arteta said that Smith Rowe is a hell of a player and talked about the prospect of keeping him.

Smith Rowe is currently on the radar of West Ham United and Aston Villa. The latter are long-term admirers of his services.

It has been reported that the Gunners could sell him for around £40m and it is left to be seen whether they will receive such an offer.