Arsenal are reportedly prepared to offload Emile Smith Rowe if it boosts their chances of signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
After the 2021-22 campaign, Smile Rowe was regarded as one of Mikel Arteta's most valuable players having contributed 10 goals and two assists during that particular Premier League season.
However, injuries and dropping down the pecking order have left the versatile playmaker on the periphery at a time when Arsenal have considerably improved.
Across 16 top-flight outings since the start of 2022-23, Smith Rowe has featured for just 265 minutes and he is currently sidelined with another injury.
While Arteta has previously talked up the importance of the England international, there was a hint of frustration when the Spaniard spoke on the matter in recent weeks.
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As it stands, the expectation is that the 23-year-old will return to the first-team squad as soon as possible to offer cover as the North Londoners attempt to make a charge for silverware in three competitions.
Nevertheless, with Smith Rowe possessing a contract until 2026 and a renewal unrealistic at this moment in time, it appears that a parting of the ways may be an option.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal may look to include Smith Rowe in any proposal for Luiz in January or next summer.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the Brazil international who has only enhanced his reputation since he opted to remain at Villa Park over making the switch to the capital.
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Luiz has 18 goals and 16 assists from his 170 appearances for the West Midlands outfit in all competitions, eight of those contributions coming this season.
Unai Emery is likely to be strongly against parting ways with Luiz at the midway point of the campaign when Villa are competing for qualification for the Champions League.
That said, Luiz also has a contract until 2026 - and his last renewal was more than a year ago - which puts Villa into a window of uncertainty regarding Luiz's next career move.
Smith Rowe is familiar with Emery courtesy of the Spaniard handing him his first-team debut during his stint at Arsenal between May 2018 and November 2019.
