Arsenal are unlikely to part ways with Emile Smith Rowe in January amid links to Newcastle United, as Mikel Arteta will remain patient.
According to Ben Jacobs via Give Me Sport, Arsenal may not sanction a departure for Emile Smith Rowe ahead of the January window. There are some concerns with the versatile 23-year-old’s long-term fitness. But Mikel Arteta is prepared to remain patient and find a solution.
Emile Smith Rowe appeared locked on to have a massive career with Arsenal after the 2021/22 season, scoring 10 times in the Premier League. What has transpired after that has baffled many Gunners fans as their academy product has suffered from a series of fitness problems.
Smith Rowe barely featured last season, and by the time he returned to fitness, there was no place in Mikel Arteta’s side. This season, as well, he suffered an early setback. After making a mild impression during Arsenal’s recent win over Sheffield United, the versatile 23-year-old suffered a fresh knee problem that will keep him sidelined for many weeks now.
There are growing concerns about Arsenal now considering his long-term future at the club. He has plenty of suitors from the past and present, with West Ham United among those keen, alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Some reports claimed Arsenal would demand around £60 million from suitors to sell their academy product. Newcastle United are also keen on the attacking midfielder, as Eddie Howe might find a place for him in his squad after a summer when the Magpies signed some promising young stars.
Newcastle reportedly want him on an initial loan deal, something Arsenal may disagree. Now, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that the Gunners will show patience in their approach over Smith-Rowe and may not sell him in January.
Jacobs said, “There are clubs looking at Smith Rowe. Newcastle are one of them, for example. Aston Villa have looked in the past as well. But Arsenal may be a bit more bullish about this and, before they agree to any kind of possible exit talks, they may first want to see whether the player can get fit in the second half of the season and then assess their options in the summer, rather than January.”
“Smith Rowe may feel the same as well because it’s all very well having your head turned by a possible move, but when you’ve been injured for this amount of time, stability can actually be the best thing to rehabilitate, build up your match time and then to assess your position within the Arsenal squad in the summer. Arsenal are prepared to be patient, let him get fit, and then decide on his future. But, obviously, all of these new setbacks are not helpful at all.”
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Moreover, Newcastle United are considered direct rivals now for Arsenal, as the Gunners might resist any effort to sell their players to them. Things could change if the magpies lodge a massive offer to Arsenal’s liking. But that is unlikely, considering the FFP restrictions looming large over their shoulders.
