Aston Villa are planning a third transfer bid for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to The Sunday Mirror (04/07, p76), as cited by HITC.

The Lowdown: Two offers turned down

Smith Rowe is thought to be Villa’s top target, with a number 10 the club’s priority in the summer transfer window.

Villa offered the Gunners £25m in the middle of June and also made a £30m bid at the end of the month, with both proposals turned down by the north Londoners.

Dean Smith's side haven’t given up hope despite the two rejected bids, and it now seems as if their patience could be about to pay off.

The Latest: Third bid…

According to The Sunday Mirror, as cited by HITC, Villa now think that the Gunners are willing to do business.

Villa’s third bid is thought to be in the region of £32.5m, and with Arsenal failing in their attempts to tie Smith Rowe down to a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, they could now reportedly cash in reluctantly.

Villa are confident that a deal can be struck, and should a £32.5m move go through, Smith Rowe would become the club’s second-most expensive signing of all time.

The Verdict: Where should Villa strengthen next?

If Villa can land Smith Rowe after staying patient with a third offer, it will be interesting to see where the club will look to strengthen next. A move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has been touted, although Dean Smith’s squad seems bare at centre-back.

Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause are the club’s only senior central defenders following Bjorn Engels’ departure, so securing a fourth centre-back could be a smart decision.

New signing Ashley Young can provide cover at both left-back and right-back, so perhaps a move for a centre-back could be wise before Villa possibly go big on Ward-Prowse.

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