If Arsenal want to compete, they need to keep Smith Rowe - but it does not seem clear if he wants to stay

Aston Villa are eager to bring great talent to their ranks for the upcoming Premier League season. They already acquired Norwich's best player from last year's campaign Emiliano Buendia and are now set to chase after two youngsters from big clubs of London. The two are Tammy Abraham of Chelsea and the one which is Villa's greater wish - Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.

Villains sent an improved offer for Smith Rowe but Arsenal rejected it. Earlier this month the club from Villa Park first tried with 35 million USD (3.7 billion KSH) and the second bid of 41.5 million USD (4.5 billion KSH) - unfortunately for the Midlands team, neither were accepted.

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Arsenal are hoping that England's Under-21 attacking midfielder Smith-Rowe will sign a new long-term contract but have yet to reach an agreement.

Arsenal and Aston Villa already had a brief battle at the transfer market and it was the above-mentioned Buendia who was the target. Eventually, Villa showed greater determination and wrapped up a deal worth in the region of 53 million USD (5.7 billion KSH) for the Argentine.

The 20-year-old Smith-Rowe wants a lucrative new deal which will reflect his future standing in the Arsenal squad as he is entering the final two years of his current contract.

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Smith-Rowe joined Arsenal at the age of 10 and rose through the academy system in north London. He was later sent on loan spells at Huddersfiled Town and RB Leipzig.

Last season the youngster was handed a chance in the Arsenal senior ranks - alongside Bukayo Saka, young guns presented themselves as best players of the current squad. Smith Rowe scored four goals across 33 appearances he made in all competitions.