By Alan Hutton

21st Oct, 2023 | 6:09am

Newcastle United backed to agree January deal for Emile Smith Rowe - pundit

Newcastle United would be the perfect place for Arsenal outcast Emile Smith Rowe.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton insisted Smith Rowe will find it difficult to get back into Mikel Arteta’s side and acknowledged Newcastle’s willingness to utilise talented youngsters.

According to the Northern Echo (12 October), the 23-year-old has emerged as a potential target for the January window and has been discussed by club bosses.

The midfielder’s current contract at the Emirates runs until 2026 but has made just six appearances for the Gunners so far this season, with just ten minutes of Premier League football under his belt.

Hutton suggested St James’ Park could be the perfect destination if Smith Rowe wants to move on.

“I think he is a top talent, there is no getting away from that,” he told Football Insider.

“He has showed it at Arsenal so it has really been a shame the injuries. He has had to fight to get back in and Arsenal have done really well without him.

“I think Newcastle, and if you look at the likes of players they have signed, they give young talented players an opportunity. Could he fit into that? Of course he could, I can see it happening.

“It is going to be down to him. Does he see his future at Arsenal? Does he want to force his way back in? Or does he want to look for a fresh challenge?

“Newcastle is a good prospect moving forward, they are going in the right direction and he might want to be part of that.“

In other news, Newcastle open talks as signing blizzard accelerates.