Aston Villa reportedly believe they have a ‘decent chance’ of signing Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this summer, according to The Northern Echo.

The Villains have previously had a £25m bid for the 20-year-old rejected by the Gunners, but Dean Smith is expected to continue pursuing his services as he propels a summer recruitment drive [The Northern Echo].

Smith Rowe has yet to sign a new deal at Arsenal, whilst reports have indicated that the Midlands club could firm up a second offer for the youngster, believed to be around the sum of £30m [Football Insider].

The England under-21 international is only under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2023, something that the Villa Park hierarchy are keen to exploit [Football Insider].

Villa have already beaten Arsenal to the chase for Emiliano Buendia [The Mirror] and signed Emiliano Martinez from the north London club last year, while they could also pounce upon the Gunners' reported reluctance to pay Sheffield United's £35m asking price for Sander Berge [Sheffield Star].

Aston Villa fans react

Upon hearing these developments, many Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to express their opinions on this latest news.

Replying to popular Twitter outlet The AVFC Faithful, here is how some Villa supporters summarised the situation with Smith Rowe:

"I’m not too bothered if we get him or not but it would be hilarious"

Credit: @av_reece
"Smith Rowe needs the step up in his career"
Credit: @josh_priv3
"LADSSSSSS"
Credit: @DG_Avfc
"I genuinely feel like we’re doing this just to wind them up for thinking they’d get Grealish"
Credit: @KishinJay
"If this is the case, Arsenal clearly haven’t said “he’s not for sale at any price” and must have given a sign that they would sell him. Concerning if you’re an Arsenal fan tbh"
"Can't see this one happening, if it did Arsenal fans would riot! Losing their best keeper and then one of their best young talents would show the decline and pulling power"
Credit: @cji1981
In other news, Aston Villa are interested in a swoop for an international midfielder.