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Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

The Hale End academy graduate has enjoyed a stellar season, netting 10 goals across all competitions, including the opener during Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford.

It was the 21-year-old's ninth goal in the Premier League, a tally that no midfielder in the division has bettered.

Now, Ferdinand has lauded the England international whilst also claiming that other big clubs will be monitoring his progress, as well as Gunners teammate Bukayo Saka.

Speaking on his Vibe With Five podcast, he said: “ESR (Emile Smith Rowe) is doing his thing man.

"I’ve loved him from the start of the season, he’s been in my dream team and everything. He’s one that I think other big clubs will be looking at, Saka as well. especially."

However, Smith Rowe, who is valued at between €70million and €90million (£58million and £75million) by CIES Football Observatory, penned a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium over the summer and even admitted that he would love to play for Mikel Arteta's side for the rest of his career.

Speaking in October of last year, he said: “If Arsenal want me for the rest of my career, then I am going to stay here forever. It is always difficult [to stay at one