With Conor Hourihane expected to leave Aston Villa this summer and Marvelous Nakamba’s long-term future being uncertain, Dean Smith is keen to sign another central midfielder.
The Villans boss been linked with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks, but he won’t give up on Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe.
Villa had two bids for the 20-year-old rejected and Smith-Rowe was in talks with Arsenal over a new deal, but he’s still yet to put pen to paper on an extension and is reportedly ‘blown away’ at the interest as a third bid is being prepared.
He’s now trending on social media and supporters from both clubs have contrasting opinions. Arsenal fans didn’t think they had to worry about losing the 20-year-old, but it looks a possibility now. And Villa fans are excited at the prospect of signing such a talented midfielder.
Arsenal have rebuffed two bids of £25m and £30m, but Smith-Rowe is due to have talks with Mikel Arteta over his future and will be in control of his own destiny. The Englishman made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring and creating 14 goals, but he may have played his final game for the Gunners.
Time will tell.
