Newcastle are weighing up a move for Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe ahead of the January transfer window, according to TEAMtalk.

The website claims the 23-year-old is “of growing interest to Howe” as the Magpies plan on making more additions to the squad in the New Year.

It is believed that the club’s board will meet in the coming days to discuss potential transfer targets ahead of January, with Smith Rowe under consideration.

The England international has struggled for game time so far this season and, if he can’t force his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans in the next few months, there is a feeling that he may move teams to get more minutes.

Newcastle were linked with Smith Rowe recently

Eddie Howe side’s interest in the player is not new. At the end of August, when Smith Rowe was the subject of enquiries from Chelsea, it was reported that the Magpies had also made contact about signing him.

If TEAMtalk‘s reporting is accurate, it suggests that they have continued to keep tabs on the midfielder’s situation, indicating they could revive their attempts in the next transfer window.

The Arsenal star won’t be available on the cheap

Smith Rowe’s asking price is reportedly pretty steep with the Gunners demanding around £60m for the player. The London club are said to value him as highly as Mason Mount, who was bought by Manchester United for an initial £55m last summer.

Newcastle may, therefore, have their work cut out to pay a satisfactory fee for Smith Rowe. There are reports that the Magpies are looking to offload a number of players in order to give themselves legroom FFP-wise, but whether they can raise enough to afford Smith Rowe is another matter.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here