Fabrizio Romano offers update on ‘special’ player Newcastle want to sign

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has spoken about the future of a brilliant player that Newcastle had previously expressed interest in.

Eddie Howe will be seeking to significantly upgrade his squad this summer following a poor season in both Europe and the Premier League.

In his Daily Briefing, Romano provided a transfer update on one of Arsenal’s players who appears to be moving in the next months, with Newcastle among the teams investigating a move.

Newcastle hoping to secure ‘special’ midfielder this summer

Newcastle’s midfield has been lacking a creative spark this season, despite Bruno Guimaraes’ best efforts, and they may aim to address that issue in the summer.

A number of targets have been identified as potential options, and Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe appears to be one who will be put on the market in the summer.

Newcastle have expressed interest in the 23-year-old, who has seen his playing time drastically reduced in the last two seasons, but the talent he demonstrated the previous year suggests he might be a top player.

Smith Rowe went on to make his England debut in 2021 after scoring double figures in the Premier League, but manager Mikel Arteta has limited his opportunities thereafter.

Injuries have obviously had a significant impact on his playing time, but it appears that the best thing for the young guy right now would be to start again in a new environment, and Newcastle might provide just that.

On Smith Rowe, Romano said: “Emile Smith Rowe’s future remains a source of concern with a lack of playing time for Arsenal this season, and we also know there was interest from West Ham United in January.

“What happens in the summer depends on how much he plays and is involved in the last two months.”Arsenal will then make a final decision with the player. This is not yet obvious, so let us wait and see how the scenario unfolds in the remaining parts of the season.”

 

Smith Rowe has a point to prove

If there is one thing Howe looks for in a player, it is someone who has something to prove, something that motivates them to work hard for the club and shows others what they are missing or why they are wrong.

Just look at Joelinton or Anthony Gordon, who were formerly considered major wastes of money but are now two of Newcastle’s most important players this season.

Smith Rowe could soon follow suit, considering the midfielder had such a promising start to his career before his big problems in the following 18 months.

Newcastle’s biggest concern was his injury record; the last thing they needed was another player missing extended periods of time after such a difficult season.