UPSON HAILS ARSENAL FOR LATEST TRANSFER DECISION

Former England defender Matthew Upson has hailed the recent transfer decision made by Arsenal after the Gunners confirmed that they have tied down youngster Emile Smith-Rowe to a new contract via an official announcement. The 20-year-old midfield sensation was one of the best players at the Emirates last season and his fine performances saw him attract strong interest from a couple of clubs, especially in the Premier League.

Aston Villa particularly tabled a bid to Arsenal for the player but the Gunners rejected it immediately as Mikel Arteta insisted that he wants the player to be a part of his plans starting from next season. Smith-Rowe is proof that Arteta wants to create a new-look Arsenal as he wishes to get rid of the deadwood players in the team in favor of the ones who are much younger and ready to play with more zeal, passion, and determination to win titles for the London club starting from the beginning of the 2021-22 English Premier League campaign.

After Arsenal rebuffed Aston Villa’s opening bid of £30 million for Smith-Rowe, the Villans were expected to return for a second and much-improved bid for the player but it’s already too late now as the player has already decided to dedicate his future to the London club.

Aside from penning a new contract extension at Arsenal, Smile Smith-Rowe has also been handed the club:s number 10 shirt, which was worn by Brazilian midfielder Willian last season. The former Chelsea midfielder has been linked with an exit from Arsenal and the latest shirt number update at the club could be the clearest indication yet that he is set to quit the club in the near future in what is set to be a major clear-out at Arsenal.