RE-UNAI-TED Aston Villa boss Unai Emery ‘plots Smith Rowe reunion despite Villans seeing £30m transfer bid rejected by Arsenal’

ASTON VILLA are plotting a fresh swoop for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.

Posted Friday, April 21, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

The ambitious Villans are targeting a move that would see Smith Rowe reunite with Unai Emery, the manager that handed him his Gunners debut.

RE-UNAI-TED Aston Villa boss Unai Emery ‘plots Smith Rowe reunion despite Villans seeing £30m transfer bid rejected by Arsenal’
Emile Smith Rowe is yet to start a Premier League game this season Credit: Getty

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.

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.

RE-UNAI-TED Aston Villa boss Unai Emery ‘plots Smith Rowe reunion despite Villans seeing £30m transfer bid rejected by Arsenal’
Smith Rowe was handed his Arsenal debut by Unai Emery Credit: Getty - Contributor

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.

"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."

RE-UNAI-TED Aston Villa boss Unai Emery ‘plots Smith Rowe reunion despite Villans seeing £30m transfer bid rejected by Arsenal’
Smith Rowe was handed the No10 shirt after Villa's last pursuit Credit: Rex