“This is now looking likely” Emile Smith Rowe agonist gives reasons why Smith will join Chelsea in January after seeing that Arteta is failing to give him playing time

Emile Smith Rowe transfer latest: Newcastle plan, Arsenal stance confirmed, Arteta’s verdict

Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has been linked with a transfer to the likes of Chelsea, Aston Villa and now Newcastle United in the last few months

Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea during the final days of the summer transfer window. But the Gunners refused to let the talented playmaker leave the Emirates Stadium, even though he has barely featured this term.

In fact, Smith Rowe has started just once for Mikel Arteta’s side across all competitions – a 1-0 victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup last month. Now, Newcastle United have been mooted as a potential destination for the 23-year-old, with Eddie Howe’s side said to be keen on a potential January transfer.

With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest updates on the England international’s potential switch from north London to Tyneside.

Newcastle plan
Newcastle United are the latest Premier League club linked with a move for Smith Rowe, with Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson reporting that the Magpies’ ownership group are set for a transfer meeting later this month where the Hale End academy graduate is being touted as an early potential target for the January window.

Arteta update
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Smith Rowe won’t be leaving before tonight’s deadline, claiming that the youngster has a big role to play for the Gunners this term.

“I had a conversation with him and it’s important to understand where he is,” Arteta said when asked about the talented youngster. “The first three or four weeks were always going to be tricky for all the clubs. You see all the rumours and players who are not happy in every country because it’s one game per week for a month and everybody has a new season with huge aspirations, there are not minutes for everybody. September will be very different.”

When asked if Smith Rowe will be part of the squad after the transfer deadline passes, the Spaniard simply replied with: “Yes.”

Smith Rowe breaks silence
Smith Rowe has now broken his silence after sending a supportive message to Arsenal team-mate Eddie Nketiah – who received an England call-up for the upcoming international break – on social media. The 23-year-old posted a picture of Nketiah with the message: “My guy clap emoji heart emoji.”

Emile Smith Rowe sends supportive message to Arsenal team-mate Eddie Nketiah.
Mykhailo Mudryk swap deal
Chelsea have shown a willingness to include players as part of a deal to sign Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe before the summer transfer window closes, according to the Daily Mail. This has sparked speculation that Mykhailo Mudryk could be included in a deal after the Blues hijacked the Gunners’ move for the Ukraine international back in January 2022.

Mudryk had shown a willingness to join Arsenal before making the surprise switch to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea pipped their London rivals to an £88million deal. However, it now appears that the Ukrainian winger could end up playing for Mikel Arteta after all if he is included in a swap deal for Smith Rowe.

Arsenal respond to Chelsea interest
Arsenal have knocked back Chelsea’s initial approach to sign Emile Smith Rowe, as per the Mail.

The Blues were said to be weighing up a move for the versatile winger, but have now been dealt a firm setback. The report states that the Gunners do not want to sell Smith Rowe to a direct rival, however sources claim ‘an offer way above market value’ could change that stance.

Meanwhile, there are also indications that Chelsea are open to the idea of a swap deal with Arsenal involving Smith Rowe.

Arsenal decision
According to the Times, Arsenal are willing to sell Smith Rowe following an approach from Chelsea.

The young playmaker is said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time so far this season. It is claimed that the Gunners haven’t put an evaluation on the 23-year-old but he is among the players that could be sold before the transfer window slams shut later this week.

Chelsea interest
Mauricio Pochettino is interested in signing a new attacking midfielder with Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe recently emerging as a shock option.

According to the Mail, the Blues are weighing up a shock move for Smith Rowe. Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also on the clubs radar as alternatives.

Arsenal position plan
Mikel Arteta clearly values the traits of Emile Smith Rowe with his verdict on the England international in 2021 showcasing his importance to the club.

“I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions,” the Spaniard said in February 2021 in response to the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. “He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well, I think.”

Arteta stance
Mikel Arteta has already delivered his thoughts on Emile Smith Rowe with new links to Chelsea unlikely to change his views. Back in March, the Arsenal boss said: “He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities.

“And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and win. And he’s going to have to show that to get in the team.

“I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he’s in a position where we can throw him in the team at any moment. And then it’s about how he’s coping with the team in general and whether we have to take him off or to use him in the last few minutes of the game.”