Newcastle United’s rapid fire rebuild under Eddie Howe has been built upon solid work in the transfer market.
Most of the signings Newcastle have made under PIF’s ownership have hit the ground running, albeit Sandro Tonali’s addition looks a mistake for reasons the club could have hardly imagined.
With that in mind, a huge amount of trust must be placed in the recruitment staff. To have consistently strengthened the squad despite FFP constraints cannot be easy.
So, should they have concerns about potential signings, there must be a good reason.
Which brings us to Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.
Newcastle transfer news: Emile Smith Rowe
Indeed, the England international has been linked with a move to St James’ Park after struggling for game time.
Once hailed as “special” by Jamie Carragher earlier in his career, things have stalled for him of late.
Though a move to a new club could perhaps kickstart his career, there now appears to be some concern.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs said: “There are clubs looking at Smith Rowe. Newcastle are one of them, for example. Aston Villa have looked in the past as well.
“But Arsenal may be a bit more bullish about this and, before they agree to any kind of possible exit talks, they may first want to see whether the player can get fit in the second half of the season and then assess their options in the summer, rather than January.
“Smith Rowe may feel the same as well because it’s all very well having your head turned by a possible move, but when you’ve been injured for this amount of time, stability can actually be the best thing to rehabilitate, build up your match time and then to assess your position within the Arsenal squad in the summer.
“Both Arsenal and suitors, historically, have been concerned about the injury record over a long period of time. Before we can really define what might happen with Smith Rowe, he needs to get fit.”
Emile Smith Rowe: Injury record
It seems those worries are well placed.
According to Transfermarkt data, the 23-year-old missed 14 games last season with a hamstring injury and 12 games in 2021-22 with a groin problem.
Now out again with a knee problem, the omens certainly aren’t good.
Reportedly on wages of around £68k-per-week, risking a big transfer fee and then wages on Smith Rowe might not be the best use of funds.
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