Here is your Arsenal morning digest on Monday, July 5.
Aston Villa set to table third Emile Smith Rowe bid
Having already had two bids rejected for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe this summer, Aston Villa appeared determined to sign the 20-year-old.
According to The Sunday Mirror, via Birmingham Live, the Villans are set to table a third offer in an effort to sign the academy graduate.
Whilst Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is determined not to lose Smith Rowe, a third bid worth £32.5m would apparently be considered by Arsenal as the north Londoners aim to generate funds for incomings.
Read the full story on Villa’s interest here.
William Saliba loan agreement terms drawn out
Whilst it remains to be seen whether Smith-Rowe will be an Arsenal player come to the start of next season, one man who certainly won’t be is William Saliba.
The Frenchman is edging close to joining Marseille on a season-long loan.
L’Equipe previously reported that an obligation to buy was included in the agreement but football.london understands that is not the case and that it is just a straight loan deal.
Read the full story here.
Gunners find Aaron Ramsdale alternative
Away from outgoings, one position that Arsenal are aiming to strengthen is at goalkeeper.
Bernd Leno’s future remains uncertain and the Gunners have identified a number of candidates as replacements.
One of those is Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale but with the Blades not keen on selling, another name to be considered is West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone.
The Gunners apparently see the England man as a cheaper alternative who can still contribute to their homegrown quota.
Read more on their interest here.
