Aston Villa set to revive interest in Arsenal midfielder to boost squad depth

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to revive their interest in acquiring midfielder Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal as they look to bolster their squad for a title challenge.

This is as per reports from talkSPORT, which suggest that the Villans are ready to capitalize on Smith Rowe’s lack of minutes with the Gunners with an offer of their own.

The England international struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta last season and it seems to have trickled into the ongoing campaign as well. Kai Havertz’s arrival from Chelsea last summer has not helped the cause as the German has been preferred ahead of Smith Rowe.

These factors could see the north Londoners allowing their academy product to leave. Emile Smith Rowe counts as a homegrown player, having come through the youth ranks at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, which increases his value a little more.

However, Financial Fair Play is also playing its part, meaning Arsenal have to make a couple of significant sales before they can dive into the market to make purchases.

Garth Crooks of talkSPORT offered insight on Arsenal, speaking about the club’s financial situation.

“Arsenal might have to move a couple of players out to get players in. I’m keen to see what they do with Smith Rowe because I think Aston Villa’s interest is still there.

“We know that Arsenal like Douglas Luiz, but Villa aren’t going to let him go at this moment in time because they’re competing for the top four themselves.”

Emile Smith Rowe came through the ranks at Arsenal, before making his senior team debut back in 2018 under former manager Unai Emery, who now wants the player at Aston Villa. In 108 appearances for the Gunners, Smith Rowe has bagged 18 goals and 12 assists across competitions.

His style of play is suited to Arsenal, and his directness and dribbling is reminiscent of Aaron Ramsey in his heydays. Having made 37 appearances for 13 goal contributions in 2021-22, Smith Rowe saw that number plummet to just 15 appearances in 2022-23 and just 12 so far in 2023-24.

Villa were previously interested in making a bid worth £40 million. However, with nearly two years on the player’s contract and aged just 23, Arsenal are likely to hold out for a greater sum for their player.

ALSO READ: Arsenal Revives Interest in Galatasaray Full-Back Sacha Boey Amid Defensive Reshuffle.