Newcastle United, Aston Villa 'leading race for Emile Smith Rowe'
Alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, Smith Rowe graduated from the Gunners' Hale End academy and quickly made a name for himself under Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old's introduction to regular first-team action in the second half of the 2020-21 season was credited with turning Arsenal's season around, and his breakthrough year arrived in the next campaign.
Thriving off the left, Smith Rowe netted 10 goals and set up two more in the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, as the North London club just missed out on qualification for the Champions League.
However, due to injuries, the form of Gabriel Martinelli and additional competition in the shape of Leandro Trossard, Smith Rowe has now been demoted to a bit-part role at the Emirates Stadium, playing just 15 times in the current campaign and banking one assist.
The England international has made the first XI just twice in the 2023-24 Premier League season, and he only earned six minutes off the bench against Burnley on Saturday following an ankle injury.
As well as falling down the left-wing pecking order, Smith Rowe is behind Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jorginho in the midfield food chain, and he has not played for the senior England team since March 2022.
The 23-year-old remains a favourite among Gooners, but with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, it has been reported that Arsenal will consider selling him in the upcoming transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle and Aston Villa are currently well-positioned to prise the midfielder away from the English capital,
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