Aston Villa are interested in signing Emile Smith Rowe, with his Arsenal contract extension negotiations currently still ongoing.

The Telegraph report that Aston Villa hold an interest in Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe this summer. The Gunners are pushing to tie Smith Rowe to a new long-term deal, but until that new deal is signed, he’s on the wanted list at various other clubs.

Villa are particular interested in bringing in a creative midfielder, which is why they’re also rivalling Arsenal for the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich City.

Reports from last month suggested Arsenal were keen to get Smith Rowe’s future sorted as soon as possible, and there was optimism over a new five-year deal for the player. All the signals were that he’s happy at Arsenal and open to staying.

This is a player who already turned down many of Europe’s biggest clubs when he was a teenager, always choosing to stay with Arsenal instead. I wouldn’t say his extension is a done deal by any means, but as long as the club make him a fair offer, I’d expect him to extend.

Smith Rowe scored four goals and assisted seven for the Arsenal first team in 2020/21, despite only properly breaking into the team after the Boxing Day game against Chelsea.