Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that he turned down interest from Barcelona two years ago in order to remain at the Emirates.

At 16, the youngster was also attracting interest from London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham, as well as Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

Smith Rowe was, however, convinced that staying at the Gunners was the right decision despite being a keen admirer of many of Barca’s players:

“I used to watch that Barcelona team, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi when they were in their prime. So when I found out that they were interested of course I was very happy, but I can’t explain to you how much I feel that Arsenal is the right club for me.”

Now 18, the attacking midfielder has begun to make a name for himself with Arsenal, making an instant impact by scoring on his full debut against Qarabag in the Europa League back in October.

Manager Unai Emery has shown a lot of faith in Smith Rowe, having allowed the teenager a lot of game time, both in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup so far this season.

The England Under 19 international will now be hoping to make his Premier League debut at some point this season. He has made the bench on three occasions, against Leicester, Crystal Palace and Liverpool, but he was an unused substitute in each of those games. It is surely only a matter of time, though, before he is given his league bow.