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Report: Arsenal deal PL rival blow in their pursuit of player Arteta thinks is ‘magnificent’
Aston Villa face paying more than £75million to sign Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to .
The Birmingham outfit have moved to strengthen Dean Smith’s options with the England U21 international. But their £25m offer was swiftly turned down as the Gunners are firmly opposed to selling their academy graduate.
Arsenal are working on awarding Smith Rowe a new contract and are optimistic the 20-year-old will put pen to paper. His current deal runs to 2023, giving them time to reach an agreement, but accelerated negotiations in April.
Smith Rowe and his agent have informed Arsenal of what it would take to keep the Hale End stalwart in north London. Preliminary talks over new terms begun six months ago, after he broke into Mikel Arteta’s plans and showed his potential.
Arsenal have no interest in allowing Smith Rowe to leave the Emirates Stadium amid Aston Villa’s interest. broke news of the Villans’ bid, which comes after Smith signed Emiliano Buendia for £33m despite .
The north Londoners would reject offers exceeding three times what Aston Villa put on the table for Smith Rowe. Arsenal took 2.1 points per Premier League game with him in the side last season, which dropped to 1.1 without.
Arteta also saw Arsenal boast a higher expected goals (1.59 to 1.21) with Smith Rowe on the field. While creating more chances (9.61 to 7.95) a game and playing more passes into the penalty area (10.28 to 9.75).
TBR’s view: Arsenal should sell Smith Rowe amid Villa bid
Arsenal have dealt Aston Villa a blow to their pursuit of Smith Rowe by indicating that even offers worth in excess of £75m would be rejected. But the Gunners should not cash-in at any price, even if it is unlikely any side would pay around that.
Smith Rowe is an important part of Arsenal’s future and Aston Villa seem aware of the potential he possesses. The 20-year-old proved how important he can be in a Premier League side last season, to now be wanted by one pushing to overtake Arteta’s.
Arteta is certainly aware of how big a part Smith Rowe can play at Arsenal providing he stays fit. Injuries at points last season, but the Spaniard described Smith Rowe as in January.