Newcastle have reportedly earmarked Emile Smith Rowe as a potential target in the January transfer window and the board want a list of targets drawn up by the end of the month. The Magpies are reaping the rewards of a stellar campaign last year that saw them make their long-awaited return to the Champions League.
They’re first major European match at St James’ Park in 20 years ended in a memorable 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain before the international break. They’re the kind of matches Newcastle’s owners want to be competing in on a regular basis.
Huge investment has been made in the playing squad to help achieve their goals, but they’re unlikely to stop. They’ve already brought in the likes of Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to try and challenge Europe’s elite.
But returning to the Champions League also means that Howe will need a deeper squad to pick from to try and keep things fresh heading into the business end of the season. The January window could be an opportunity to bolster his options and the Northern Echo claims talks are already underway regarding possible targets.
The report names Arsenal ace Smith Rowe as a potential option, although the Gunners are said to value him at around £50million. The 23-year-old burst onto the scene at the Emirates as a teenager, but a long-term injury curtailed his progress under Mikel Arteta.
He’s now fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and has struggled to fight for his spot back in the team. Smith Rowe has played just 10 minutes of Premier League football this season, coming on as a late substitute in games against Tottenham and Bournemouth.
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If his lack of minutes continues then Smith Rowe may want to look for regular football elsewhere. But Newcastle will have to be cautious of Financial Fair Play given their recent spending.
The Magpies would reportedly prefer a loan deal for Smith Rowe and Arsenal haven’t been opposed to letting their fringe players leave on a temporary basis. Newcastle will reportedly ‘finalise a budget’ for the January window in the coming weeks.
But Smith Rowe appears to be a player of interest to Newcastle with more than two months until the transfer window reopens.
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