Aston Villa preparing improved £30m bid for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe?

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing an improved bid of £30m for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, after an opening £25m offer was rejected.

The West Midlands club registered their interest in Smith Rowe last week with a £25m bid, but the Gunners rejected the request, which has not warded off interest from Dean Smith's side.

Smith Rowe is out of contract at the Emirates in 2023 and the North Londoners are believed to be trying to agree new terms with the youngster, but Villa are looking to use the uncertainty over his future in their favour.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa refuse to give up in their pursuit of the 20-year-old and hope that an improved £30m offer will persuade Arsenal to sell.

The 2020-21 campaign proved to be Smith Rowe's breakthrough season for the Gunners as he scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 37 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side.

After graduating from Arsenal's academy, Smith Rowe has gone on to make 45 appearances for the club, with all of his goals coming in the last campaign.