Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in acquiring the services of 23-year-old Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
According to Graeme Bailey via Talking Transfers Podcast, Aston Villa are Newcastle United are keen on having Emile Smith Rowe in their ranks. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is not getting much game time at Arsenal and he could end up leaving the club. Meanwhile, Villa and Newcastle are two potential destinations for the former England Under-21 star.
Smith Rowe has been at Arsenal since his childhood days. He has come up the ranks at the club at some pace. The attacking midfielder made it to the Gunners’ first team back in the summer of 2020.
Over the years, he has featured in over 100 matches for the North London club’s first team and has even contributed towards 29 goals. The 23-year-old was an integral part of their team a few seasons back but at this point in time, he is way down the pecking order.
In the 2021-22 season, he featured in 37 matches and racked up close to 2,200 minutes. Smith Rowe even contributed towards 13 goals. But, last season he featured in just 14 matches and was on the pitch for less than 200 minutes.
The Arsenal graduate struggled with injuries and even while he was injured, the 23-year-old was restricted to the bench. And, things haven’t changed much in the ongoing season. He has featured in six matches but only has 135 minutes of football under his belt.
The former England Under-21 star is keen on having more first-team minutes but he is way down the pecking order. His current situation is a cause of concern and Smith Rowe is seriously considering parting ways with the club if things don’t change until the turn of the calendar.
Aston Villa and Newcastle are two clubs interested in the 23-year-old. Villa have been huge admirers of him for a while now. They wanted to sign him back in the day and were very close to his signatures. But, failed to strike a deal.
They remain interested and could make a move if they see an opportunity to land him at Villa Park. Meanwhile, the Magpies are also keen on having him in their ranks. They have been signing some exceptional players of late and the 23-year-old surely has the potential to be a special player.
As a result, Newcastle would love to have him in their ranks. He will add depth and will also bolster their attack. And, given the kind of project they have, Smith Rowe could seriously consider joining him.
Bailey on Smith Rowe’s situation at Arsenal: “Does Arteta trust him? I don’t think he does you know. I think there have been chances for Smith Rowe to play, but he’s some way down the pecking order. We know Aston Villa love him, they almost signed him before, they still want him, our information is that Newcastle would take him, Brighton would take him, he can’t go to Tottenham, they wouldn’t sell him there. He will give it until January and see what’s happening there.”
