Aston Villa are refusing to accept defeat in their pursuit of Emile Smith Rowe with the Express & Star reporting the club still believes it can tempt Premier League rivals Arsenal into a sale.
Well, the Gunners have certainly brought this on themselves.
Just like last year, when their inability to tie down Bukayo Saka resulted in plenty of hand-wringing and an approach from Liverpool, Arsenal have stumbled into another unwanted transfer saga.
London Colney graduate Smith Rowe has just two years left on his contract.
And, for some reason, Arsenal have failed to agree an extension with a player who was one of the few bright spots in a miserable campaign under Mikel Arteta. Smith Rowe transformed a side that was glancing over its shoulders at the relegation zone when he was parachuted into the starting XI in December.
According to the Express & Star, Arsenal have batted away two offers from Aston Villa for the England U21 international.
Dean Smith’s side made a bid in the region of £30 million earlier in the week.
Arsenal are desperate to hang on to the gifted number ten, however, who produced seven assists during a breakthrough season in the Premier League and was described as “extraordinary” after a dazzling display in January’s 3-0 thumping of Newcastle United.
But Aston Villa are going nowhere just yet.
There’s a quiet confidence behind the scenes too, with some at Villa Park believing Arsenal arms may be twisted between now and 31 August.
Of course, the similarities between Smith Rowe and a certain Jack Grealish haven’t gone unnoticed. And should Villa sell their captain for a fee in the region of £100 million, a substantial windfall may open the door for Villa to make an offer Arsenal simply can’t refuse.
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