Emile Smith Rowe is considering Arsenal’s exit in January amid growing interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
The English midfielder, 23, could think of leaving the Emirates Stadium on loan or permanently if his situation at the club remains unchanged. He broke into the Arsenal team under Mikel Arteta during the 2021/22 campaign, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League. Last season, Emile Smith Rowe suffered a serious groin problem and missed the majority of the 2022-23 term.
Having gained full fitness now, the 23-year-old has found it difficult to break into the current Arsenal side. With an increase in competition for places at the north London club, Smith Rowe faces a big task ahead of re-establishing himself in this team again. After a gap of 499 days, the three-cap England international started his first game for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup third round against Brentford in midweek.
Chelsea were interested in signing Smith Rowe in the summer but Arsenal knocked back their approaches. Now, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United reportedly monitoring his situation, Arsenal would find it difficult to keep hold of Smith Rowe if he decides to quit in January.
Aston Villa to battle Newcastle for Smith Rowe?
Smith Rowe was regarded as a top-class prospect and became a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium during the 2021/22 campaign, registering 10 goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances, before his groin injury blow last year. Having not enjoyed as much game time as he would have liked to so far this season, he is considering leaving Arsenal in January.
If Arsenal sanctions the 23-year-old’s exit, Aston Villa and Newcastle would be keen to secure his services. Aston Villa are making steady progress under Unai Emery and looks a genuine contender for a European spot again. With the Villans playing an attractive brand of football, they can become a good option for Smith Rowe.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, who are competing in the Champions League, could benefit from Smith Rowe’s versatility, creativity and goals in the second half of the season if they can sign him on loan. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners are prepared to cash in on the English midfielder or sanction his temporary departure in the coming months.
All in all, it would make sense for both Villa and Newcastle to battle it out for Smith Rowe, who wishes to make the England squad for the 2024 European Championships.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
