has promised that he has a part to play this season and has addressed reports that he almost left Arsenal this .
The 23-year-old, a Hale End academy graduate, has started just one game this season and has featured only six times in the top-flight.
Smith Rowe, who missed a number of matches due to a knee injury, has mostly been an unused substitute or has only come on for the closing stages of games.
But Arteta has no plans to let Smith Rowe leave the Emirates, unless the player himself is keen on a move.
Smith Rowe was the subject of a late enquiry from  in the  transfer window .
in the current January transfer window but it appears that he will be sticking around for the time being.
Arsenal manager Arteta, quizzed about rumours that Smith Rowe almost left the club in the summer, said: ‘That was never part of our plans.’
Asked if he would stand in Smith Rowe’s way should he wish to leave, Arteta added: ‘This is a two-way conversation all the time with players.
‘I love listening to them about how they are feeling, what is the best thing for them, or what they want to do. Because you really have to be aligned with them and how they are feeling and they have to feel important.
‘This is still the biggest part of the season to play now and we have to be patient, and he will have his chances.’
