Emile Smith Rowe attracts interest from Newcastle United

Smith Rowe has fallen down in pecking order at Arsenal

Newcastle, a rival Premier League club for Arsenal, has expressed interest in Emile Smith Rowe ahead of the January transfer window.

The 2020–21 season saw the debut of the Gunners academy graduate, who appeared to be headed for stardom after finishing the next season as the team's leading scorer.

However, Smith Rowe's progress has undoubtedly slowed down lately due to both his fitness difficulties and what appears to be a deterioration in his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.

Formerly among the first players on the roster, it might be argued that the England international is now Arsenal's third-choice offensive midfielder, trailing only Fabio Vieira and club leader Martin Odegaard.

Even if Newcastle are considering a move for Smith Rowe, his fall from favour hasn't stopped them from perhaps tempting him away from the Emirates.

The team led by Eddie Howe is fully aware that the 23-year-old may be open to a transfer because he isn't getting enough playing time at Arsenal.

Immediately after Smith Rowe signed an extension with the team for the summer of 2021, Arteta made it plain what he expected of an attacking midfielder at Arsenal. "An incredible season for a number 10 of Arsenal means he needs to score 15 goals and give 10 assists," said the Spaniard.

The fact that Odegaard, a man who frequently holds positions similar to those in which the Hale End product would find himself, has achieved such heights, may be even more devastating for Smith Rowe.

The Norwegian captain achieved Arteta's targeted goal total of 15 last season but came three shy of his ideal assist total.