Arsenal have reportedly braced themselves for a third bid from Aston Villa for midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.

Villa's last bid of £30m for the young English talent was rejected by the Gunners, but Dean Smith is believed to not be giving up on their pursuit of Smith Rowe and will return to the table with a revised offer.

The Mirror reports that current captain at Villa Park Jack Grealish has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, which is said to be a factor in why Villa are very keen to land Smith Rowe.

Last season was Smith Rowe's breakthrough season at his boyhood club as he made 34 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side, scoring four goals and providing seven assists during the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal seem reluctant to sell the 20-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates after signing a new deal with the club last summer.

Unai Emery was the manager to hand Smith Rowe his first-team debut for Arsenal, which came in a Europa League tie in 2018.