Arsenal’s efforts to tie down Emile Smith-Rowe aren’t going as planned, with Aston Villa providing the Gunners with an undesirable hindrance.
Smith-Rowe broke through into the Gunners’ squad for the first time midway through the previous season, following two understated loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town. The attacking midfielder came into Mikel Arteta’s side after a spell of bad form left them close to the relegation zone, and retained his spot until the end of the season. Smith-Rowe’s performances earned rave reviews from fans and experts as he scored some crucial goals towards the end of the previous season.
Arsenal have since attempted to extend the defender’s deal, which, as it stands, expires in two years. However, Football.London reports that the two parties remain afar in terms of the negotiations, which is why Villa are persisting with their approach.
The Birmingham side already have had two bids turned down for the playmaker but are expected to return with a third. Their last offer was reportedly 30 million pounds which was rejected by the Gunners.
Villa, who could part ways with talisman Jack Grealish this summer, aren’t eyeing Smith-Rowe as a replacement for the former. Instead, multiple reports have claimed that Dean Smith wants both Grealish and Smith-Rowe to form his new front-four, along with summer signing Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins.
While Arsenal may lose Smith-Rowe in this window, they are expected to add numbers to their squad. The deals for Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares are said to be close to completion, while the Gunners’ interest in Ben White persists.
