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Aston Villa are in the process of submitting a third bid for Emile Smith Rowe after Arsenal suggested they are willing to do business, a report has stated.

Villa have been pursuing Smith Rowe in recent weeks whilst the Gunners have been trying to tie their academy graduate down to a new contract. The Midlands side reportedly submitted bids of £25m and £30m. Both of these are said to have been rejected. Following this, it looked like there was no hope for Villa. Reports indicated Smith Rowe was set to sign new terms at the Emirates.

However, it appears that his club might now have other plans. This is because, according to Football Insider, they have failed to give Villa a conclusive ‘no’ in their transfer discussions.

Therefore, it seems that the north London side are willing to see how far Villa will go for their man.

If they receive an offer that is to their liking, they could yet cash in on the 20-year-old. This latest development has reportedly given Villa encouragement.

Indeed, a new and improved third bid is being submitted. This will be ‘close to’ the club-record fee they splashed out on Emiliano Buendia.

Dean Smith’s side paid an initial £33m to Norwich for Buendia’s services which could rise to £38m after add-ons.

Arsenal are rumoured to be hoping for a fee of around £50m. Thus, there could be some way to go in the negotiations.

If Villa do have to end the chase for Smith Rowe, the report suggests they might turn their attention to Burnley’s Dwight McNeil.

McNeil is another attacking target that has been linked with a move to Villa Park. Reports first surfaced back in April.

The winger would more than likely be a cheaper alternative to Smith Rowe, but is still an experienced and youthful attacking option.

Smith Rowe one of many on Villa’s list

Meanwhile, Villa have learned that Manchester United are planning to sell their target Axel Tuanzebe this summer, according to a report.

Tuanzebe spent the promotion-winning season of 2018-19 on loan at Villa, who now want him back.

Dean Smith’s side are now looking to build after a promising 2020-21 ended with a mid-table finish,

Defence is one of the areas they want to strengthen, despite Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa forming a solid partnership.

Smith wants another centre-back to compete with the starting duo, alongside backup option Kourtney Hause. Having worked with Tuanzebe before, he is keen to do so again.

READ MORE: Aston Villa get closer to deal after hearing Man Utd stance on squad man

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