Emile Smith Rowe, the 23-year-old Arsenal midfielder, has become a sought-after target for several Premier League clubs this summer.

Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, are reportedly leading the race to secure his services, having previously attempted to sign him in 2021.

While Smith Rowe’s potential is undeniable, his injury problems and limited playing time at Arsenal this season has fuelled speculation about his future at the Emirates.

Arsenal's English midfielder #10 Emile Smith Rowe (R) controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 3, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #10 Emile Smith Rowe (R) controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 3, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Emile Smith Rowe, the 23-year-old Arsenal midfielder, is once again attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa reportedly leading the charge. Despite limited playing time this season due to injury, Smith Rowe’s potential and talent have made him a target for teams looking to strengthen their midfield.

Aston Villa, fresh from securing a spot in next season’s Champions League, see Smith Rowe as a valuable addition to their squad. Their interest in the midfielder dates back to 2021 when Aston Villa made multiple attempts to sign him, only to be rebuffed by the Gunners. Under Unai Emery when he was at Arsenal, Smith Rowe played just nine times, netting three in those 600 minutes. None of those appearances came in the Premier League. That being said, Smith Rowe was very much still a kid then. For context, Bukayo Saka, just 14 months Smith Rowe’s junior, played just under 850 minutes Emery (he scored one, but assisted five).

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace, Everton, and Nottingham Forest are also reportedly interested in Smith Rowe. Crystal Palace are looking to add depth and youth to their squad, while Everton and Nottingham Forest are keen to avoid another relegation battle by improving their creativity and attacking options.

Arsenal‘s decision regarding Smith Rowe‘s future will likely be influenced by financial considerations. The club is facing constraints under profit and sustainability rules, and selling Smith Rowe could provide a financial boost greatly needed ahead of an integral summer. However, his status as an academy graduate and homegrown player could make the decision more complex.

Aston Villa made two unsuccessful bids in 2021, while Chelsea expressed interest last summer.

With Smith Rowe‘s contract running until 2026, Arsenal hold the advantage in negotiations. However, the player’s desire for regular game time, combined with the financial implications of the profit and sustainability rules, could ultimately lead to his departure from the Emirates this summer.