Plenty of Aston Villa fans have hit out at former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn after he urged the Gunners to ‘go all in’ for Jack Grealish this summer.

The 25-year-old has been influential at Villa Park this season, scoring six goals and registering 12 assists in the Premier League.

Dean Smith has been without the attacking midfielder since the end of February because of injury, with Villa picking up just five points out of a possible 18 during that time.

Arsenal’s previous Grealish interest

Arsenal registered an interest in the 25-year-old during the summer. However, due to Grealish’s £80m price tag, a move to the Emirates Stadium never materialised.

Gunners legend Winterburn - quoted by Football London, as cited by Birmingham Live - has now urged his former club to move for the England international, saying:

“I’d like to see Arsenal go all in and sign Jack Grealish

“He is a terrific player. His ability speaks for itself and he’s the type of player that if we want to move forward then we should be looking to buy.

“He tends to prefer to play on the left-hand side so we’d need to see how that works with Arsenal’s current set up but I’m sure he could play in that No 10 role as well.”

Villa fans react

Birmingham Live shared the story on Twitter regarding Winterburn’s comments about Grealish, with many Villa supporters understandably not impressed.

"Still laughing. Villa owners worth double Arsenal owners"

Credit: @Chloe19428004

"Arsenal advised to take out mortgage on the Emirates and London Colney to pay for it"

Credit: @JackRJ89229896

"Doesn’t Winterburn realise Arsenal don’t have the money to buy Grealish"

Credit: @BrianGarratt1

"Arsenal advised to jog on"

Credit: @davidallen1975

"Can't afford to pay the dinosaur."

Credit: @silkievillain

"Please stop regurgitating this drivel"

Credit: @PaulTomlinsonn

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz over footage of two Villa youngsters, find out more here