Arsenal transfer news: Wolfsburg hope to sign Emile Smith Rowe on season-long loan this week

Exclusive: The 19-year-old is set for another loan spell with an approach from Werder Bremen also under consideration

Wolfsburg hope to complete a season-long loan move for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this week after positive discussions with the club.

The 19-year-old has made a successful recovery from a groin injury that hampered his six-month loan spell at RB Leipzig last season and Arsenal are keen that he get more first-team minutes to continue his development.

Wolfsburg, who finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season and will compete in this year’s Europa League, are frontrunners to sign the academy graduate, however, Werder Bremen have also made an attractive approach which is under consideration by Arsenal.

Interest from Premier League and Championship clubs remains but the Bundesliga is seen as a more attractive option for the player to continue his development.

Smith Rowe, who signed a new five-year contract after making his breakthrough in pre-season last year, is viewed highly by Unai Emery and still considered very much part of the club’s long-term plans. But with Nicolas Pepe’s arrival for a club-record transfer fee imminent, guarantees over playing time are limited and a loan move is seen as the right next step.

The U17 World Cup-winner, who can play as a No 10 or on either flank, flourished during Arsenal’s European campaign and scored twice in four appearances before he was sidelined with injury.