By Gabriel Agbonlahor

15th Oct, 2023 | 7:30am

Agbonlahor: Newcastle have a 'brilliant' player coming back who 'everyone has forgotten about'

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Emile Smith Rowe would only be a “squad player” if he were to join Newcastle United.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he would have to fight “outstanding” midfielder Joe Willock for a starting role at St James’ Park.

According to the Northern Echo (12 October), Newcastle transfer chiefs have discussed a potential move for Smith Rowe in the January window.

It is claimed that the midfielder’s lack of game time at Arsenal could open the door to a transfer in the mid-season window.

Smith Rowe has made just six appearances for the Gunners this term, totalling 135 minutes of action.

The England international, who is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2026, failed to start a single game for Mikel Arteta’s side last season.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s at the level, definitely.

“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.”

In other news, Amanda Staveley hit with £10million Newcastle takeover blow by Mike Ashley.