Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is continuing to struggle for injury after a difficult year, and he is a long-term target for Premier League rivals Newcastle.
The 23-year-old was linked with Chelsea in the summer, but Mikel Arteta made it clear that he was part of the plans going forward.
However, Smith Rowe struggled for game time even after recovering from injury, before then receiving more chances off the bench before picking up another injury which ruled him out of action for the last few weeks.
Given his issues, and his lack of game time ahead of the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, questions may be raised about his long-term future at the club.
Emile Smith Rowe is a target for Newcastle
Journalist Joel Bland has now revealed that is “led to believe” the England international has been a long-term target for Newcastle, who could be aiming to strengthen their midfield in the next few windows.
Whilst it does feel unlikely that Smith Rowe will be allowed to depart in January, if he ends the season with another year of limited game time and multiple injuries under his belt, then pressure may increase on the club should a significant offer arrive for a player who has not been a starter in over a year and a half.
Arsenal should not sell Smith Rowe to Newcastle
Arsenal have struggled creatively this season, with their increased defensive focus reaping rewards at the back but causing a dip in attack.
Questions have been raised in midfield, with Thomas Partey out injured and Havertz disappointing, and perhaps Smith Rowe can be the solution once he returns from injury.
Smith Rowe’s previous campaigns have shown that he has creativity, shooting ability and top-class technique in abundance, and he is far too talented to give up on now.
The Englishman is also a hugely popular player at the Emirates, having come through the academy alongside Bukayo Saka, and there would be considerable upset if he is allowed to join a top-four rival.
Arsenal would both weaken themselves and strengthen Newcastle if they sanction a sale, and given that both Havertz and Fabio Vieira have had disappointing moments this season, there are other players who should be considered for a sale before a Hale End hero in Smith Rowe is.
If given the opportunity to do so once he returns from injury, if Smith Rowe can build up a consecutive run of games under his belt, his quality may start to shine again, and he has already shown that he has the ability to be a key player for Arsenal in the past.
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