Arsenal star tipped to replace Philippe Coutinho after £30m bid submitted – ‘top signing’
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Emile Smith Rowe should join Aston Villa this summer as he is not part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old could replace Philippe Coutinho in the squad – with an exit for the Brazillian likely in the off-season.
According to talkSPORT (21 April), Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is plotting a reunion with Smith Rowe this summer after handing him his debut as a teenager at Arsenal.
The report claims the Midlands giants saw a £30million bid for the England international rejected in 2021.
Smith Rowe has failed to start a game for Arsenal this season – with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson all ahead of him in the pecking order.
He was a key part of the Gunners side in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’d be a top signing.
“He wouldn’t be a starter, that’s for sure.
“But he’s someone who can come in and replace Coutinho when he leaves this summer, and also challenge Buendia for a place.
“As a football club, you want players who can fight for a place and not make it too comfortable for others.
“Smith-Rowe can come in, and if Aston Villa qualify for Europe it’s a must to build a stronger squad.
“He’s been on the bench for a lot of games and hasn’t been brought on at Arsenal. That shows me that he’s not part of Arteta’s plans.
“It’ll be hard for them to get rid of him, but he’s not at the level of where Arsenal want to go.”
In other news, Emery may now instruct Aston Villa to sell two established first-teamers.