Arsenal midfielder and reported Aston Villa target Emile Smith Rowe is ready to sign a new Gunners contract, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Villa’s interest

Mike McGrath of The Telegraph was the first to share Villa’s interest in the 20-year-old last week.

He suggested that Villa hold an interest in the attacking midfielder, with his future at the Emirates yet to be resolved.

However, it now seems as if Smith Rowe, whose current Arsenal deal runs until 2023, is now ready to commit his future in north London.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the midfielder’s situation.

The reliable reporter insisted the Englishman is ready to pen terms until 2026, with a deal waiting on last details to be finalised.

“Emile Smith-Rowe is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal until June 2026 after negotiations started in March. Just waiting last details to be completed - then it’ll be done.”

The Verdict: Villa to now look elsewhere?

Villa have recently agreed on a club-record deal with Norwich City for star man Emiliano Buendia.

Reports in recent months have suggested that the club are actually after two wide forwards this summer, so perhaps Smith Rowe could have been the second alongside Buendia, with the youngster able to play out wide.

However, it seems as if Villa will now have to cross Smith Rowe off their summer wishlist and move on to alternative targets.

The transfer window only opened on Wednesday, so the club still have plenty of time to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news: Report shares two reasons Buendia is choosing Villa over Arsenal, find out more here.