Arsenal 'end Isco interest due to Emile Smith Rowe'

Arsenal are reportedly no longer interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Isco during 2021.

After a poor start to the Premier League, the Gunners were quickly linked with an approach for the out-of-favour Los Blancos playmaker.

However, according to Marca, Mikel Arteta has scrapped any plans to bring in the Spain international due to the form of Emile Smith Rowe.

While the 20-year-old has been provided with opportunities in the past, starring in wins over Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion has convinced Arteta that he should now be regarded as a first-team player.

The academy graduate's progression is a huge plus for club officials who preferred not to add a significant amount of money to their wage bill.

Isco would have also cost in the region of £18m, a fee which is expected to be paid by Sevilla in the summer.