Newcastle have “made contact” with Arsenal about signing attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe on loan, according to 90min.com.

Both the Magpies and Aston Villa are believed to have made enquiries about the 23-year-old’s availability this month.

While the two Premier League clubs are willing to snap up Smith Rowe on a temporary basis, Chelsea have also made an approach of their own to buy the player.

However, Arsenal are not interested in selling the England international and 90min claim that the Gunners are not currently “entertaining” any offers, even loan proposals.

Smith Rowe, himself, is reportedly much more open to leaving the Emirates due to his lack of game time, but he may not get the final say on the matter.

Why are Newcastle pursuing Smith Rowe?

It is important to remember that the Magpies were looking for a no.10 earlier in the summer, with the club having pursued the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, they ultimately ended up buying Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, who usually plays in more deep-lying positions. It is, therefore, not entirely surprising that manager Eddie Howe would be interested in recruiting Smith Rowe now.

A loan deal would make sense for FFP

Considering the limitations that Newcastle are working under due to Financial Fairplay, any moves in the final days of the transfer window would have to be loans.

In that respect, making an enquiry for Smith Rowe does seem plausible, although you would think that the club’s main priority ahead of the transfer deadline would be a centre-back.

Early indications suggest that Sven Botman did avoid serious injury after being taken off against Liverpool last weekend, but the Magpies still have limited options in the middle of defence. You can’t rule out additional reinforcements before the window shuts on Friday night.