Villa have “ideal moment” to move for midfielder Grealish likened to KDB

A portion of the praise should go to former manager Dean Smith, who contributed to the development of the team that Unai Emery is using to lead Aston Villa to such success, should the team manage to finish in the Champions League spots this season.

Smith was responsible for the recruitment of Villa’s top three scorers this season, Ollie Watkins (14), Leon Bailey (9) and Douglas Luiz (7). Additionally, defender Ezri Kon saand goalkeeper Emi Martinez have started every game in which they have been available. With 15 starts out of 20 games, right-back Matty Cash has also played a significant role (Transfermarkt).

It is tempting to speculate as to what significant impact one of Smith’s other objectives would have had had Villa been successful in their pursuit. Villa made two attempts to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal in the summer of 2021, the second of which was valued at £30 million. However, the Gunners flatly rejected all proposals. One journalist has now, however, boosted Villa’s prospects of luring him to the Midlands if they decide to renew their interest.

Due to injury, Smith Rowe was sidelined for five weeks in late October and early December; nevertheless, he returned to duty for the remainder of the season. Despite this, Mikel Arteta, the manager, hasn’t really used him, since he’s only made six Premier League appearances (one starting position and five substitute appearances). He has already been employed as a stand-in eight times.

Nor have the cup competitions provided much solace. Smith Rowe was left off of the starting lineup for all of Arsenal’s Champions League group games as they were eliminated from the League Cup in the second round.

Journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones advised Villa to make an opportune return for Smith Rowe if their interest is, in fact, “still bubbling away” in an interview with GiveMeSport. He believes Arsenal will now be far more likely to entertain a sale, and he wonders if Villa are aware of his exasperating circumstances already.

“Villa made a couple of bids for Smith Rowe last year, and if that interest is still bubbling away, then this would be an ideal moment to go and have another go,” he stated.

“I think Arsenal could be inclined to profit from someone who isn’t a must-have for the starting lineup. Smith Rowe is an excellent player who possesses excellent application and attitude. It seems like a really nice idea.