EMILE SMITH ROWE is set to sign a new five-year deal with Arsenal despite interest from Aston Villa.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder made himself a regular first-team starter for Mikel Arteta in the 2020-21 season.
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Smith Rowe, whose current contract runs until 2023, played 33 times for the Gunners and was a rare bright spark in a difficult campaign, scoring four goals.
Understandably, his quick rise to stardom has attracted interest from rival clubs, most notably Aston Villa.
Dean Smith’s outfit had offers of £25million and £30m rejected and were said to be preparing a third bid, according to Birmingham Mail.
But Smith Rowe returned to pre-season training this week and is said to be continuing his contract talks with Arsenal.
There are still issues to be ironed out but a new five-year deal is expected to be agreed.
Arsenal keeping hold of Smith Rowe would be a small victory for the London club after they were beaten to Norwich’s Emiliano Buendia by Villa.
The Midlands outfit signed the 24-year-old Argentine for £33m despite an offer also being on the table from Arsenal.
But the Gunners did complete the £8m signing of Benfica defender Nuno Tavares on Saturday.
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The Portugal Under-21 international has signed a long-term deal with Arteta’s side.
And the Arsenal boss told the club website: “We welcome Nuno to the club. He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal Under-21s.
“Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.
“We look forward to Nuno’s arrival soon, his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
