Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Emile Smith Rowe exit rumours as he hints at January plans for out-of-favour midfielder

Smith Rowe has struggled for regular minutes at Arsenal largely due to injury issues which have seen him slip down the pecking order. The midfielder has only made one Premier League start this season and there has been speculation he could move on in January, but Arteta has talked up the midfielder and hinted he could be in line for more game time.

He told reporters: "I’m really happy with Emile, he’s on the right trajectory now he’s settled and he’s training really well. You know that I’m not going to talk about any individual situation.

"No change, Emile is Emile. He’s got incredible qualities, we are really happy to have him and what he needs now is chances to put all those desired qualities on the pitch. In order to do that, we have to give him minutes."

Smith Rowe is a versatile option for Arteta as he can play out wide or through the middle. West Ham have become the latest club linked with the midfielder, but it's unclear if Arsenal would be willing to let him leave in January. Indeed, Arteta's comments suggest he is not thinking about a winter move for the 23-year-old.

Arsenal have returned from a warm-weather training camp in Dubai and will be hoping to get back on track after a run of three straight defeats. The Gunners take on Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League before hosting title rivals Liverpool at the Emirates.