ARSENAL will let Emile Smith Rowe go out on loan again this season – with Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig battling it out for his services.
Smith Rowe, 18, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents coming through the academy at the Emirates.
And the Gunners believe a year playing regular first-team football will be vital in helping him develop to be ready for the first team in 12 months.
The Independent say no final destination for the teenager has yet been decided – but there is growing interest from the Bundesliga in taking him on.
Only last week, boss Unai Emery said he was looking to blood more young players into his side having impressed during pre-season.
But it appears they are looking for a different path for rising young star Smith Rowe.
The teenager spent the second half of last season on loan at RB Leipzig, though a groin injury prevented him from playing any more than 28 minutes for the club.
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But he made a huge impression there, and Leipzig are keen to take him back on a longer-term deal once he gets his fitness back.
Smith Rowe has been out in America with the Arsenal squad going through pre-season, although he is only now stepping up his training after getting the all-clear from the club's medical staff the groin issue is behind him.
He is still thought to be around four weeks away from being ready for match action – but that hasn't put off a series of sides showing interest.
According to the report, it is claimed Wolfsburg have now come in with interest of their own in taking the South London-born attacking midfielder for a year.
Both German clubs offer the prospect of regular opportunities of first team action, something Arsenal are keen to ensure from letting one of their best talents out on loan.
There has also been interest from a number of sides in England – both in the lower end of the Premier League and the Championship.
Crucial to any decision Arsenal make will be to make sure Smith Rowe is able to develop well, and a move elsewhere in the UK may not make sense for them in that regard.
Emery has already blooded the youngster in his first team, handing him six appearances in the Europa League and Carabao Cup last season – where we scored three goals.
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