Dean Jones told the Football Terrace that Arsenal have been ‘blind-sided’ by Aston Villa’s interest in Emile Smith Rowe.
The journalist claimed that Arsenal ‘hate’ this transfer story, with Aston Villa putting two bids in for the player.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Arsenal rejected a second offer – around £30 million – for Smith Rowe’s talents.
Even though Arsenal fans will be surprised and confused by Villa being so intent on getting their man, Jones shared what the view of those at Arsenal is regarding this matter.
“Arsenal hate this story,” said Jones. “They are trying desperately to get him on a new contract because they didn’t really see this coming.
“They have been blind-sided by it really. But I think Villa spotted an opportunity to get in there. To try and convince the player and the people around him that he can be part of something really exciting.
“They want a front three of Smith Rowe, Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins, with Jack Grealish behind them in a free role.
“They hoped that Smith Rowe’s head would be turned by the idea of being part of something like that.”
For Villa to go back in for a second time for Smith Rowe, whilst he continues to negotiate a new deal at the club, suggests they know something others don’t.
The Midlands outfit must have had a door opened somewhere to suggest to them that such a deal is possible, else they wouldn’t have gone in again as they have done.
From Arsenal’s perspective, they simply cannot afford to let their academy product leave because it would show a lack of ambition from their side.
Even though the Gunners finished outside of Europe last term, along with the likes of Bukayo Saka, their ball-carrying expert was a shining light during a pretty dark campaign.
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