Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Arsenal star who will be available for £40m in the summer

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reportedly the frontrunners in the race to secure the services of Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe next summer.

The academy graduate has faced a difficult campaign, making just 15 appearances, with only two of those being starts in the Premier League. Clearly positioned as a squad player at the moment, speculation is rife that Arsenal might be willing to part ways with the talented midfielder when the transfer window reopens later this year.

Aston Villa have a history of interest in Smith Rowe, having initiated contact in 2022. The Midlands club are reportedly ready to renew their pursuit of the playmaker.

According to Football Insider, they are likely to face competition from Newcastle United in the race to secure the services of the England international. Arsenal are rumoured to have set a price tag in the vicinity of £40million for Smith Rowe.

Mikel Arteta expressed admiration for the Hale End graduate following the team’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in January. Smith Rowe, making his first start since October 2023, drew praise from the manager for his performance.

“I think everybody was at a really good level,” Mikel told Arsenal.com after the match. “I’m really pleased with Emile as well because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game. He’s been training really well, really sharp.”

“He’s just a beautiful footballer to watch,” Mikel continued. “I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team, and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”

Apart from Smith Rowe, Arsenal are also considering the sale of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson in the summer transfer window as part of the strategy to bolster the squad with new signings and add more quality to the team.