Aston Villa dealt blow as Premier League rivals now ‘pursuing’ £20m attacker

Gunners winger Emile Smith-Rowe is expected to be on the move during the summer transfer window after another season of frustration, much of which was spent watching on from the sidelines.

The 23-year-old winger enjoyed a stunning 2021/22 season as he netted 10 goals in 33 Premier League matches but such success hasn’t been replicated since. Smith-Rowe, not helped by a string of injuries, hasn’t scored a single goal for Arsenal since the 4-2 win away at Chelsea in April 2022.

Formerly an England Under-21 international with 16 caps and five goals, Smith-Rowe played just 474 minutes across all competitions last term. Two Premier League assists were contributed but Mikel Arteta preferred rotating Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. Even Reiss Nelson was ahead in the pecking order.

GIVEMESPORT reported last week that Villa’s interest in Smith-Rowe remains following heavy links throughout the last two or three transfer windows. Unai Emery is keen on adding depth in the wide positions and Smith-Rowe, who can play on either flank or as a central attacking midfielder, is said to be appreciated for his versatility.

Competition ramping up for Smith-Rowe

But there’s now added competition as The Telegraph reports Fulham have made the signing of Smith-Rowe a priority this summer. Manager Marco Silva, who wants to bolster his forward line, sees the Arsenal winger as an excellent option – especially as he could be available for as little as £20 million.

The Cottagers already have Harry Wilson, Adama Traore, Willian, Alex Iwobi and Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the wide areas but Smith-Rowe’s agility and low centre of gravity would provide a different outlet. Fulham’s attack is also ageing, so adding in the younger legs of Smith-Rowe would be highly beneficial.