Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe this summer, but it’s unlikely to happen according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
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Villa preparing second Smith Rowe bid
As per the Telegraph earlier this week, it had been suggested that Villa were readying a second bid for the 20-year-old, as we look to make a big splash in the transfer window.
It comes after a reported £25m offer was rejected earlier this month, as noted in the report above, and so it remains to be seen if Villa do indeed try again to prise Smith Rowe away from the Gunners.
The youngster enjoyed an impressive season last year, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions and coupled with his age and potential, he looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
With Villa looking to add more creativity in the final third to complement Jack Grealish, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins, Smith Rowe has seemingly emerged as a top target for Dean Smith, but Romano doesn’t believe it’s a transfer that will materialise this summer.
Smith Rowe’s current contract expires in 2023, and this is all perhaps set to lead to a renewal with improved terms being offered by Arsenal.
What Romano said on Smith Rowe-Villa links
“Aston Villa are really in love with this player and they want to try and try again for Smith Rowe but, what I am told is that he’s set to sign his new contract with Arsenal,” Romano said on his ‘Here We Go’ Podcast. “Also, before his holidays he was 100% convinced about going to sign the contract with Arsenal, so I expect Smith Rowe to sign soon.”
That will be a disappointment given how strongly Villa seem to want him, but it sounds as though it won’t be a successful pursuit and so alternative options will likely be assessed sooner rather than later to strengthen Smith’s squad further.
The emphasis this summer is on relieving the pressure and responsibility on Grealish’s shoulders to create and make us tick, and so Villa will likely consider other options to improve us in the final third.