Villa made £30m bid in 2021: Three Arsenal players Unai Emery could consider at Villa

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Unai Emery is back in the Premier League for a second spell after his indifferent time at Arsenal in which he won 43 of his 76 games in charge. Here, we consider three Arsenal players that Emery could consider reuniting with at Villa:

Three Arsenal players Emery could consider at Villa:

Emile Smith-Rowe

Smith-Rowe, 22, was given his Arsenal debut by Emery while at Arsenal. At just 18, Emery threw the England playmaker into the side in a Europa League win over Vorskla in 2018. Smith-Rowe has since starred for the Gunners.

Now the club’s no.10, Smith-Rowe has fallen down the pecking order. That is despite having a hand in 27 goals during his 86 senior outings. Injury has not helped. Sky Sports report in 2021 that Dean Smith made two bids for Smith-Rowe.

Indeed, worth £25million and £30million. He remained at Arsenal. But when January or next summer comes around, Smith-Rowe may feel he needs a move. Given Villa’s previous interest, and Emery gave him his debut, there is potential.

Rob Holding

Villa are lacking at centre-back. Ezri Konsa’s form has not been the same as last season, while Tyrone Mings has not reached the heights expected of him since he was stripped of the captaincy. Holding’s best mate is currently at Villa.

Indeed, that is Calum Chambers. So, Villa need a centre-back and having Chambers in the squad would be tempting for Holding. Estadio Deportivo reported in the summer that Villa were considering a move to land Arsenal’s Holding.

He would give Villa a more-experienced option at centre-back. A leader, one that would significantly improve on the likes of Mings and Konsa. When Diego Carlos returns, he and Holding could form a formidable partnership.

Nicolas Pepe

Pepe remains Arsenal’s club-record signing – but he was bought by Emery. While his time at Arsenal has not gone to plan, the burden of the transfer fee has weighed him down. He is currently back in France, impressing at OGC Nice.

Clearly, Emery is an admirer of the Ivory Coast international. Once describing his ability from set-pieces as “perfect”. Arsenal will be keen to get rid of Pepe, but he is reminding all he can shine while with Nice – scoring four goals so far.

Perhaps, when he returns from Nice next summer, Emery could be tempted to reunite with the ex-Lille attacker at Villa. This one may be difficult though in terms of transfer fees, and wages.