Danny Mills reckons that Aston Villa may be plotting to replace Jack Grealish after their bid for Arsenal winger Emile Smith Rowe was rejected in midweek [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Aston Villa get ready for 2021/22

As Aston Villa gear up for 2021/22, many will be intrigued to see how they go about bettering their impressive 11th-placed finish last term.

Already very active in the transfer market, the Villans have been successful in their bids to acquire Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young respectively as they build for pre-season.

However, it is a failed pursuit which has caught Mills' attention as Arsenal turned down a bid of £25m for Smith-Rowe from Aston Villa earlier this week [BBC].

The Latest: Mills issues honest Grealish rebuttal

Asked whether he thought this bid could signify an impeding Villa Park exit for Grealish sooner rather than later, Mills issued an honest reply in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, stating: “Quite possibly, yes.

"You always have to plan for that. At the moment, they’re bringing in players that can enhance their squad and their first XI and there’s no harm in doing that whatsoever.

“But there will be in the back of their minds that if suddenly something happens and there is a huge offer for Jack Grealish and he wants to go then they have enough players to cover those positions.

“Obviously they won’t be as good as Jack, not right now. But with a few tweaks here and there the aim will be you don’t miss.”

The Verdict: Villa's swift recruitment will stand them in good stead

The former Leeds United defender makes an informed point regarding the difficult predicament in which Aston Villa find themselves.

Grealish has been a stand-out performer for Aston Villa in 2020/21, registering 19 goal contributions from 27 outings, with seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt]. Earning adulation left, right and centre, the 25-year-old was deservedly nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award at the beginning of this month [avfc.co.uk].

Villa will be doing everything in their power to keep the talented winger at Villa Park. Conversely, if Grealish decides to move on to pastures new within the transfer window, quality recruitment will be key in order to replace the offensive quality the Villa captain possesses.

Judging by the Clarets early summer transfer surge, they may be well stocked to handle any prospective departure.

In other news, many Aston Villa fans react with horror to this transfer report.