Aston Villa are preparing a third offer for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe, after being rejected by £ 25 million and £ 30 million by the Gunners.
Villa have already beaten Arsenal against Emiliano Buendia’s £ 33m and are determined to strengthen their squad after an impressive 11th place last season. They want to bring in another attacking player and are still keen to keep Talisman Jack Grealish as well.
Arsenal have already turned down two Aston Villa offers for Smith Rowe / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Smith Rowe, who turns 21 later this month, appeared as Arsenal’s break-star last season in an otherwise poor campaign for the Gunners. He made 33 appearances in all competitions after making the permanent breakthrough in December and recorded 14 combined goals and assists.
Arsenal want to tie the home-grown star to a new contract in addition to their existing deal that expires in 2023, but must reject serious interest from an ambitious Villa.
The Daily Mail reports that Villa have “not given up hope” in their quest for Smith Rowe and a third offer is coming. It is not clear how big the offer will be, but if it increases by another 5 million pounds, as was the case from the first bid to the second, it could amount to 35 million pounds.
Villa have also been credited with £ 40 million in Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are embarking on a crucial recruiting summer to equip manager Mikel Arteta with a squad that could rise to the table after a dismal eighth place last season.
With the sale of fringe players also a factor to add money, 90min last month revealed that the club hierarchy has sanctioned up to £ 250 million in spending on the condition that players targeted are under 25, have the potential to develop and improve, as well as increase value over time.
The Gunners are mainly targeting a center-back, two central midfielders, a right-back and a goalkeeper. England defender Ben White can join from Brighton for up to £ 50 million, while Aaron Ramsdale is a goal between the sticks. Max Aarons is another player to watch.
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