Arsenal are growing in confidence that they will soon secure a new five-year contract for Emile Smith Rowe, according to a report.

James Benge reports that Arsenal are growing in confidence over agreeing a new five-year contract for star youngster Emile Smith Rowe soon. Benge adds that there are still details to finalise, so don’t get too excited just yet.

Still, this is good news at a time when Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a third bid for Smith Rowe.

They’ve already offered Arsenal £25m and £30m, and thankfully the club laughed them out the door. But while Smith Rowe still hasn’t signed an extension, with just two years on his deal, it’s inevitable that the speculation will cause some fan nervousness.

The Athletic claim Aston Villa’s transfer priority remains a number 10, and Smith Rowe is their top target in that department. Until Arsenal get him tied down, they’re going to keep pushing for the signing.

Arsenal are obviously very keen to keep the 20-year-old around. At such a young age he’s already having a major first-team impact. Last season, he scored four goals and assisted seven despite only really breaking into the team after Christmas.

Until the deal is done, those nerves will remain, but it looks like things are heading in the right direction now.