ASTON VILLA are plotting a fresh swoop for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.
The ambitious Villans are targeting a move that would see Smith Rowe reunite with Unai Emery, the manager that handed him his Gunners debut.
Villa tried to sign Smith Rowe in the summer of 2021, having a £30million bid rejected by Mikel Arteta’s side.
According to talkSPORT, changing circumstances could see the Midlands club try their luck once again.
During their previous pursuit, Smith Rowe had emerged as a key man at the Emirates.
But that is no longer the case, with the injury-plagued attacking midfielder having fallen down the pecking order.
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Smith Rowe is yet to start a single Premier League game this term.
The 22-year-old has been limited to just 11 outings in all competitions, making nine sub appearances in the Prem.
He spent much of the first half of the season recovering from groin surgery.
Aston Villa find themselves in a strong spot under Emery, having surged up to table since the Spaniard’s appointment.
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Previously struggling under Steven Gerrard, Villa are now sixth in the league.
They sit just six points behind the top four, albeit with Newcastle and Manchester United both possessing a game in hand apiece.
Following Villa’s previous interest, Smith Rowe signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal.
He was also handed the vacant No10 shirt with his boyhood club.
Smith Rowe has played just 12 minutes of Arsenal’s last five Premier League matches.
Despite his lack of game time, boss Mikel Arteta recently reaffirmed his “love” for Smith Rowe.
He needs to prove how much he wants to win
Mikel Arteta on Smith Rowe
The Gunners boss said last month: “He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities.
“And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and win.
“And he’s going to have to show that to get in the team.
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“I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he’s in a position where we can throw him in the team at any moment.
“And then it’s about how he’s coping with the team in general and whether we have to take him off or to use him in the last few minutes of the game.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
