Aston Villa could reportedly try again for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old was the subject of firm interest from the Lions in 2021, and Arsenal are believed to have rejected a £30m bid from their West Midlands counterparts for his services.
In the wake of Villa's failed attempts to prise him away from the Emirates Stadium, Smith Rowe enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in North London with 10 Premier League goals in 2021-22 - only Bukayo Saka (11) struck more for the Gunners.
However, a troublesome groin injury and subsequent operation has hampered Smith Rowe's playing time in the current campaign, as have the exploits of Gabriel Martinelli on the left-wing.
During Villa's efforts to strike a deal for Smith Rowe two years ago, Arsenal agreed a new long-term deal with the England international until 2026, but his future is being called into question while he remains on the periphery of Mikel Arteta's team.
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According to talkSPORT, Villa are ready to reignite their interest in Smith Rowe during the upcoming window as they aim to reunite the 22-year-old with former manager Unai Emery.
Emery was in the Arsenal dugout when Smith Rowe made his debut in the 2018-19 season, and the Spaniard would welcome the chance to reunite with his former protege.
It is unclear if Arsenal would be willing to entertain offers for their academy product, though, especially with Reiss Nelson able to leave on a free transfer this summer as things stand.
Since coming through the academy ranks and enjoying loan spells with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe has recorded 18 goals and 10 assists in 93 matches for Arsenal across all tournaments.
However, the Englishman has set up just one goal in 12 appearances during the current campaign, playing a mere 148 minutes of senior football in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
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Smith Rowe has not started a single senior game all season, and he was an unused substitute in the Gunners' recent 2-2 draws with Liverpool and West Ham United.
Arteta was asked about Smith Rowe's downturn in fortunes ahead of Friday's Premier League clash with Southampton, and the Spaniard affirmed that the playmaker is "very close" to playing a more prominent role in the team.
"He's pushing, and in football what you did a year ago, a month ago is not important, it's about what you do now, what you do yesterday and what you do tomorrow," arsenal.com quotes Arteta as saying in his pre-game press conference.
"The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team has to make us better and to make us win games. He's very close."
Victory for Arsenal on Friday would lift them seven points clear of Manchester City - who would have two games in hand - at the top of the Premier League table, while also confirming their qualification for the 2023-24 Champions League.
Ben Knapton
