Arsenal's creative breakthrough of 2021 — the attacking midfielder who kept Özil's shirt number warm.
Emile Paul Smith Rowe was born in Croydon, England in 2000. Arsenal's Hale End academy produced him — the same academy that produced Bukayo Saka. His 2021-22 breakthrough season at Arsenal produced 10 Premier League goals from attacking midfield — a remarkable return for a player in that position. He was named Arsenal's Player of the Season. He won Arsenal's number 10 shirt — the shirt worn by Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Özil. He struggled with a serious groin condition in 2022-23 that required surgery and limited his 2023-24 season. Arsenal sold him to Fulham in 2024 in a deal worth up to £34 million. He represented England 6 times. His combination of close dribbling, intelligent movement between the lines and left-footed precision when finishing in tight areas reflected the technical quality of Arsenal's academy system. His groin condition significantly limited what was clearly a career capable of operating at the highest level.
FA Cup (2020 squad)
Career Honours
- FA Cup (2020 squad)
- Premier League runner-up