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The January transfer window is fast approaching for Newcastle United.

While there is a lot of football still to be played between now and then, the relentless nature of trying to remain competitive at the top of the game means Newcastle are consistently being linked with strengthening.

A few names are already emerging on the radar.

Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal, a player the Gunners would reportedly like to keep, is believed to be of interest.

Now, some insight into his thoughts has emerged.

Newcastle transfer news: What Magpies know about Emile Smith Rowe ahead of January window

Indeed, according to Ben Jacobs, the Toon are aware that the England international is yet to a make an actual decision as to his future.

The 23-year-old has spent his whole career with the north London giants and has a strong emotional connection with them as a result. Only a recently back from a long-term injury, the prospect of staying at the Emirates Stadium remains on the cards.

Hailed as “special” by Jamie Carragher earlier in his career, Mikel Arteta is building something impressive with a reasonably young team there and it must be an attractive project to want to be a part of.

“I don’t think with the Newcastle links at this point there is anything advanced and I think that several Premier League clubs who have at least discussed Smith Rowe, which is a very normal thing to do ahead of January and Newcastle included in that, are well aware at this stage that he himself has not yet made a decision on his future,” Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT.

Emile Smith Rowe: Newcastle can’t waste time

It’s certainly understandable that Smith Rowe isn’t in a rush to leave the club he grew up with, particularly when they could feasibly win the Premier League this season.

Still, while he should be afforded time to make a decision, Newcastle have to think of themselves.

January is a short month and the battle for Champions League qualification already looks a fiercely contested one. Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have all improved – leaving little more margin for error.

Newcastle have to be ruthless in their decisions. If he doesn’t want to come, it’s better to move on.