BREAKING: Newcastle considering making summer transfer move for 23-year-old England midfielder
Under Eddie Howe’s management, Newcastle United is keen on recruiting young English players, and another potential target for a summer transfer is on the radar. Howe typically prefers players with Premier League experience, although there are occasional exceptions, hence the renewed interest in Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe.
According to journalist Joel Bland’s report on X, Newcastle maintains their interest in the 23-year-old midfielder. However, it’s anticipated that there will be significant competition for Smith-Rowe’s signature, especially considering Arsenal’s potential need to offload players to balance their finances.
Although there were previous rumors linking Newcastle with Smith-Rowe in January last year, any potential move was halted due to Financial Fair Play regulations preventing first-team transfers.
Emile Smith Rowe will be looked at by #NUFC in the summer. #AFC could attempt to prioritise selling the out of favour midfielder before the end of June to comply with FFP regulations, due to lack of sales. Thought to be a lot of competition, however. ⚫️⚪️
— Joel Bland (@JoelBlandSport) January 13, 2024
Emile Smith-Rowe has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal
With only 16 appearances across all competitions and just one assist this season, Smith-Rowe has not seen much use from Mikel Arteta.
The midfielder Smith-Rowe missed more than a month of play in November and December due to a knee injury, but despite his limited playing time—just three starts—he has been benched this season.
Smith-Rowe appears to be surplus to requirements at Arsenal, which will only increase the number of teams interested in signing him in the summer.
Where would Smith-Rowe fit in Newcastle’s team?
Smith-Rowe’s undeniable talent contrasts with his reduced reliance under Arteta, but given Arsenal’s league position, it’s difficult to argue against the managerial decisions. The pressing question for Newcastle is where Smith-Rowe would fit into their midfield setup. Assuming they retain Joelinton, their midfield trio seems established with him alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, backed up by Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.
Considering Smith-Rowe’s probable reluctance to move if it means another spell on the bench, it appears unlikely that this transfer will materialize unless a significant outgoing player paves the way for his inclusion.