Newcastle target out-of-favour Arsenal star ahead of January window

James Shearman

• Updated: 12 Oct 2023 21:08 BST
• 3 min read

Newcastle have Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe on their list of January transfer targets, according to The Northern Echo.

Smith Rowe has not started a Premier League game since the 2021-22 season and does not appear to be in head coach Mikel Arteta's immediate plans.

At 23 years of age, he could not be blamed for wanting to leave in search of regular playing time.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

And, a move to Eddie Howe's Newcastle would be excellent for the talented 'number 10'.

The Magpies have quickly become one of the Premier League's top teams under Howe, finishing fourth in the table last season.

They are now competing in the Champions League, where they beat PSG 4-1 last week, and have some fantastic players, such as Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Yet, they lack a player of Smith Rowe's ilk, having missed out on James Maddison to Tottenham in the summer.

How much would Smith Rowe cost?

Arsenal reportedly value Smith Rowe at £60 million as a result of Mason Mount's summer move to Manchester United.

Mount cost United £55m and he only had a year remaining on his Chelsea contract. Smith Rowe, on the other hand, is under contract until 2026.

Mount had achieved plenty more in his career, helping Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021.

However, Smith Rowe is arguably a more naturally gifted player and could elevate to that level if he is provided with the right platform to succeed.

A move up north to St. James' Park could be exactly what the Englishman needs.