Emile Smith Rowe Saga on Transfer Market Continues

Arsenal have reportedly now turned down multiple bids from Aston Villa on midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, the 20-year-old English international who is currently on deal with the Gunners until June 2023.

Villa’s first bid last week was reported to be around £25m. The latest bid was up to £30m.

Arsenal, however, have yet to even entertain the thought of allowing such a move.

Villa recently bolstered next season’s roster by signing Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City in a deal worth around £25m, and have honed in on Rowe as another weapon to bolster the attacking midfield.

Smith Rowe had a pedestrian start to the last season, but picked it up in the second half of the campaign.

He finished with seven assists and seven goals in 37 appearances, with Arsenal finishing in the No. 8 spot of the Premier League.

Prior to the breakout run under Mike Arteta, Rowe spent some time on loan with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield.

Arsenal’s double-rejection of Villa’s bids indicate the club have no imminent prospect of letting go of Rowe. Villa, however, seem unfazed at rejection and still remain in talks with Arsenal.

Arsenal’s new head of football operations Richard Garlick is reportedly managing all negotiations.

The Gunners will start their 2021/22 Premier League campaign on the road vs Brentford on August 13.