Simon Jordan is baffled as to why Arsenal would ‘entertain’ selling Emile Smith Rowe to Aston Villa, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Crystal Palace owner shared that Villa’s seemingly £25 million offer for the Arsenal academy product was a ‘middle of the road’ offer, as he compared the situation to Jude Bellingham.
Last summer, Dortmund paid £25 million for Bellingham’s services (Sky Sports), and given his rise during these past 12 months, he is easily worth double that now.
Jordan cannot see Smith Rowe swapping the Emirates for Villa Park, as he shared his thoughts on Wednesday’s breaking news.
“I cannot see a parallel universe why Arsenal would be entertaining any discussion with Aston Villa for selling that particular player,” said Jordan.
“He’s a player who has come through their youth academy. He doesn’t cost them a huge amount of money. He’s part of, I would imagine, the thinking that they have, alongside a few others.
“He’s a player that will be built and developed by Arsenal. Why in God’s name will they want to sell him at this stage of his career for a middle of the road price tag?
“I know we are talking about £25 million quid for a young player. But we talked about £30 million for Jude Bellingham, when he was 17-years-old, before people really saw and what we are now seeing. The outstanding Jude Bellingham, who will go onto great heights.”
It is rather strange that Villa are trying to buy Smith Rowe given that he wouldn’t start for them, at this moment in time.
Dean Smith has Jack Grealish and Emi Buendia as his creative players, with the likes of Bertrand Traore, Anwar El Ghazi and the currently injured Trezeguet, as his out-and-out wingers.
But this is a club showing ambition once more after ten years of decline, which saw them drop to the Championship
It would be a surprise if Smith Rowe ended up on Villa’s books this summer, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they continued their spending spree.
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