The Newcastle United deal ‘too good to turn down’ for forgotten England man

Former Newcastle United striker Andy Cole believes Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe would find it ‘very difficult’ to turn down a move to St James Park.

The Magpies are busy formulating their plans for the January transfer window as they look to further strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad in a bid to continue their progression in a number of competitions throughout the second half of what has already been an exciting season.

United are believed to be keen to add to their squad when the window opens in the new year and Gunners academy product Smith Rowe has been suggested as a possible target as he struggles to find his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has made seven appearances in all competitions so far this season - but, crucially, just one has come as part of the Spaniard’s starting eleven.

Former Magpies striker Cole, who plundered his way to 68 goals in 84 appearances during a two-year stay on Tyneside, revealed his surprise over Smith Rowe’s current situation at the Emirates Stadium and insisted the three-times capped England international could reinvigorate his career on Tyneside.

“It’s another player that I’m shocked to see not playing as often as we all expected them to,” Cole told Betfred.

“Everybody was talking about him two years ago. He was Arsenal’s future, a local lad that came from their youth set-up, but in the last two years later, he’s sadly fallen off the face of the earth. I don’t understand why he’s struggling so much for game time because he’s a very talented player, but it’s evident that Mikel Arteta prefers other players to him and right now, I can’t see how he will get back into their starting eleven.

“Why would he not want to join Newcastle United? There’re not many better places for you to go and play football than Newcastle and they’re only getting bigger and the ongoing project at the club is massive. It would be very difficult for Emile to turn this move down.”