‘Huge fans’: Newcastle United would love to sign 23-year-old Arsenal player now

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Newcastle United already have one star who came through the Arsenal academy, and now they are looking at signing a second.

Joe Willock rose through the ranks at Arsenal before eventually struggling for minutes and landing at Newcastle. Joining the Magpies has been the best decision of the 24-year-old’s career, and it is fantastic that he is now back from injury after a lengthy layoff.

He has proven that the grass can be greener away from Arsenal for those players who Mikel Arteta does not fancy, and that brings us to Emile Smith Rowe.

The 23-year-old has barely featured for the Gunners this season, starting just one Premier League game so far. That came on Saturday against Sheffield United, where he got an assist in the 5-0 win.

But with Smith Rowe struggling for minutes, there is talk that he could soon leave the Emirates Stadium. He has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with the Magpies discussing a potential loan move for the January transfer window.

Now journalist Graeme Bailey has provided an update on Smith Rowe’s situation at Arsenal, and believes that the midfielder is a player who Newcastle really admire.

Newcastle are ‘huge fans’ of Emile Smith Rowe

90min and TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey has appeared on the Fully Loaded Transfer Show on YouTube, where he discussed Newcastle’s interest in Smith Rowe.

“On Emile Smith Rowe, he’s one of these players who is getting itchy feet, he’s not particularly happy about the situation,” he said.

“Aston Villa offered a lot of money for Smith Rowe and he nearly went. He’s a player that is still interesting. He’s that number 10 Newcastle are crying out for. I think you’re missing that.

“I think he is very much on Newcastle’s radar for next summer. I think he will probably leave Arsenal next summer, Newcastle and Aston Villa both huge fans of him.”

Bailey expects Arsenal exit next year

While it has been claimed that Newcastle are looking at Smith Rowe for January, Bailey believes it will be the end of the season when he leaves Arsenal.

That would perhaps make more sense. You have to imagine that Arsenal will be unwilling to lose anyone in January if they are still in contention for the Premier League title.

On top of that, Newcastle are more focussed on signing a deeper centre midfielder following Sandro Tonali’s suspension.

But Smith Rowe does fit the bill for the Magpies, and is of a similar mould to James Maddison who almost signed for Eddie Howe’s side at the start of the season. While it is not a priority, it is clear that Howe wants to add an attacking midfielder to his side at some point, and Smith Rowe certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

He has previously been described as a ‘special‘ player, but his progress has stalled at Arsenal as of late. As always, Newcastle looks like the perfect place for him to get back to his best, like so many players have done under Eddie Howe.