Emile Smith Rowe remains Aston Villa’s top priority for the summer transfer window, despite having two bids turned down by Arsenal.

Chelsea v Arsenal - Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring the first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Copyright: Shaun Botterill
Chelsea v Arsenal – Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring the first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Copyright: Shaun Botterill

The Athletic report that Aston Villa’s transfer priority remains a number 10, and Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe is their top target in that department. Smith Rowe is reportedly the “pick of the bunch” when it comes to further additions.

Villa are considering alternatives though. If their chase for Smith Rowe falls through, Dwight McNeil is an option and has been discussed as a player of interest.

So far, Villa have made two pretty insulting bids for Smith Rowe. The first offer of £25m was essentially laughed off, which made it even more ridiculous that the Premier League club returned with a proposal of just £30m.

Sources suggest Arsenal want more than triple Villa’s opening bid of £25m, so the second bid was pointless. Yet The Athletic continue to report that their interest is serious, even if their offers evidently aren’t.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have a verbal agreement with Smith Rowe over a new contract, but nothing is signed just yet and other sources aren’t quite so optimistic that a deal is close.

The Gunners know the terms the 20-year-old wants, but they haven’t offered him those terms just yet. That could change when he returns for pre-season next week.