One of the more overlooked aspects of the recently concluded January transfer window was the departure of Emile Smith-Rowe on loan to German club RB Leipzig.
It was expected that the midfielder would be back with the Gunners at the end of the loan spell but that could be about to change.
As per reports from SportBild(via Sky Sports), there are suggestions that RB Leipzig will push to extend the loan spell into next season as well.
All of this will hinge on how well Smith-Rowe performs during his spell in Germany. If the player does perform on an excellent basis, it is more likely that the Gunners will recall him to the Emirates.
But if the club feels that a longer stay in Germany will aid his development, the youngster will end up being on loan for a further season. The important thing is that there is no way he will permanently stay in Germany.
The midfielder was really impressive whenever he got a chance to play this season and he got off the mark for the Gunners as well. Unfortunately for him, injury struck at the wrong time and since then he has not played for the club.
Smith-Rowe is not the only youngster who has gone to Germany on loan from the Gunners as he joins his good friend Reiss Nelson who has been impressing all season for Hoffenheim.
Getting this kind of exposure in a different league is highly beneficial for the development of a young player. When these youngsters are forced to come out of their comfort zone and express themselves in a new league, it makes them better.
If in a situation like this, if they are able to showcase their skills, they are sure to return as better players. One of the best examples of this is the case of Jadon Sancho who has become a mainstay of the Borussia Dortmund team this season.
For Smith-Rowe, it is an opportunity to get some playing time in a competitive league with a team that is challenging for a European spot. Arsenal will be hoping that he can come back to the club as a much-improved player.
