Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hints at Emile Smith Rowe's best position during the Gunners' pre-season encounter against Nurnberg

During Arsenal's match against Nurnberg on Friday, Mikel Arteta may have inadvertently hinted at Emile Smith Rowe’s best position.

The north London club has had a busy summer transfer window, bringing in American goalkeeper Matt Turner, Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, and Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos. 

Turner, Jesus, and Marquinhos all made their Arsenal debuts on Friday, when Arteta’s side defeated German side Nurnberg 5-3 at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in a pre-season friendly.

Smith Rowe, a Hale End academy graduate, started as a no.10 ahead of deep-lying midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Last season, the England international was frequently used on the left wing for Arsenal, but Friday’s game may indicate that manager Arteta believes his best position is in a more central role.

However, the young playmaker will have his work cut out for him next season if he wants to continue operating centrally, as he will likely be competing for a spot in the middle of the park with Norway captain Martin Odegaard and the aforementioned Vieira.

“I like to be versatile and I can also play in other positions. But I probably would say I do enjoy playing in the No. 10 position the most,” Smith Rowe told The Nationl back in 2020 when asked about his favourite role.

“At Arsenal, I look up to Mesut Ozil a lot. I watch him in training and the movement he has and the little touches he does. For me to train with him every day, I can’t think of anything better.”