Newcastle United could do with reinforcements during the January transfer window.
After six defeats in seven games, Newcastle are facing the very real prospect of failing to build on qualifying for the Champions League last season.
Eddie Howe’s side are out of European football as a whole as well as the Carabao Cup and currently sit ninth in the Premier League.
Going out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage would be bad enough in any normal circumstances. The fact they begin their campaign away at Sunderland would make a defeat even worse.
With that in mind, fresh signings are believed to be on the agenda. While Kalvin Phillips is reportedly of interest, a new attacking player has been touted.
Which brings us to Emile Smith Rowe.
Emile Smith Rowe transfer news: Newcastle latest
The 23-year-old, hailed as “special” by Jamie Carragher, was linked with a move back in the summer.
The Athletic now claim the Arsenal midfielder remains of interest and has been tracked long-term, although there is an issue.
With Newcastle still working under FFP limitations, a deal is believed to be “far from straightforward”.
Newcastle transfers: Emile Smith Rowe makes sense
Able to operate both in central midfield and in a more attacking position, Smith Rowe fits the mould that PIF have generally targeted.
At only 23, he has a lot of his career ahead of him but has amassed experience in the upper echelons of the Premier League and with England too.
Still, it seems unlikely Arsenal would willingly strengthen another top Premier League team without a loan fee. Unless Newcastle can make a deal worthwhile, why would the Gunners do us a favour?
Perhaps this is one to revisit in the summer should Smith Rowe continue to struggle for regular game time in north London.
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