Newcastle discussing move for Arsenal midfielder ahead of transfer summit - Report

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle's recruitment team have been discussing a move for Arsenal talent Emile Smith Rowe.

The piece adds that a transfer summit has been planned over the international break, where Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Yasir Al-Rumayyan will meet with Eddie Howe to discuss our January budget and potential transfer targets.

Smith Rowe has struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta this season, with the attacking midfielder's only start coming in a Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford.

He's made cameo appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, but could push for a transfer in the new year if his first team prospects don't improve.

It's reported that Newcastle prefer a loan-to-buy deal - the same structure that allowed us to sign Lewis Hall from Chelsea over the summer. However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal would accept, with the Gunners valuing Smith Rowe at around £50m.

His versatility and potential will appeal to Howe, but he's played very little football since groin surgery kept him out for large parts of the 2022/23 season. A big talent when fit, but I wouldn't want to be breaking the bank on Smith Rowe when we had the chance to sign James Maddison for £45m just a few months ago.