Renowned Newcastle United critic sends unusually positive £50m Arsenal transfer warning to Eddie Howe

Newcastle United have been linked with a £50 million move for wantaway Arsenal man Emile Smith Rowe, but Aston Villa legend and talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has told the Magpies to think twice about splashing the cash.

The former Premier League striker is a renowned critic of Newcastle United, and the North East in general, but shared words of encouragement towards one squad member when giving his thoughts on the transfer links.

It is thought that Eddie Howe is looking to add more strength in depth to his midfield come January as injuries to Harvey Barnes, Joelinton and Joe Willock suggest a need for reinforcements to deal with the busy fixture calendar. Gunners man Emile Smith Rowe, who has struggled for game time since breaking into the Arsenal first team in 2018 has been named as a likely candidate.

The 23-year-old England international is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2026 but had made just six appearances for Arsenal this season, racking up a measly 135 minutes of action.

However, Agbonlahor has told Newcastle United to not forget their own stars returning from injury before looking to plug holes by spending more cash. The former Villain told Football Insider: “I think he’s at the level. He can be a good squad player for Newcastle.

“But that’s the problem. He’d be leaving Arsenal for another club where he isn’t going to start. Let’s not forget, Newcastle have got Willock coming back in that position. He was brilliant last season and has been completely forgotten about by everyone. They’ve also got Guimaraes in that area.

"If he came to Newcastle, he’d have to fight for a position. It’s not going to be guaranteed. I think he has more chance of playing at Newcastle, though. Arteta just doesn’t seem to fancy him, for whatever reason. He’s wasting away his best years by sitting there, not playing.”