Mikel Arteta approves position change for Emile Smith Rowe amid transfer exit claims

Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has been playing a different position during training, according to reports.

Smith Rowe has risen through the ranks under Mikel Arteta, playing a key role in the Gunners' 2021/22 campaign which saw him score 10 goals in 34 Premier League matches.

This season has been quite the opposite though, with the 22-year-old limited to just 10 league appearances.

His lack of game time has been mainly due to a groin injury he sustained back in September, which kept him out of action for almost four months.

But since returning to fitness, the England international has struggled to get a look in, and is still yet to record a single league start this term.

Indeed, it is difficult to envisage Smith Rowe's path back into the starting 11, with Martin Odegaard currently playing the current number 10 role.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka also look nailed down under Arteta, with Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

As a result, Smith Rowe has been rumoured with a move away from the Emirates as part of five-player clear-out in order to free up the Gunners' budget.

However, there might still be room for the Hale End graduate, with Smith Rowe allegedly playing a new position during training sessions.

Smith Rowe playing new position

Football London's Kaya Kanak revealed Smith Rowe was being deployed as a central midfielder at London Colney, as opposed to playing further forward in his illusive number ten role.

When asked about the player's situation during a Q&A with fans, Kanak stated: "It's a bit of a mystery why he’s [Smith Rowe] hardly playing.

"I guess you could argue that Reiss Nelson is ahead of him at the moment, but Smith Rowe has been training as a central midfielder, so it's probably more apt to say that it's Fabio Vieira whose in front of him in the queue."

However, Kanak reckons Smith Rowe won't leave Arsenal this summer, believing Arteta will be resistant to letting him go.

"I'd be surprised if he were to leave this summer myself. He's got three years left on his deal still, and would probably need to force a move away if he wants one," he added.

"No doubt there's plenty of interest from teams in the Premier League and abroad, but I think he'll stay put as things stand."