Newcastle & Aston Villa leading race to sign Arsenal playmaker

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe at the end of the season, according to Football Insider.

The Gunners graduate has endured a difficult campaign with the club and he has made only 15 appearances. Out of those, only two have been starts in the Premier League.

He is clearly a squad player at the moment and it is claimed that the Gunners could be prepared to cash in on his services when the transfer window reopens this year.

Villa have been long-term admirers of Smith Rowe and they initially made an approach in 2022. The Midlands outfit are prepared to renew their pursuit of the playmaker.

However, they are likely to face competition from the Magpies for the England international. Arsenal could hold out for a fee in the region of £40 million for his services.

Aside from Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are also likely to be sold in the summer as the Gunners look to add more quality into their squad with new signings.