Talk of Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe joining Aston Villa this summer refuses to go away.
Whilst Mikel Arteta and Edu are expected to complete a massive overhaul of the Gunners' first-team squad before the transfer window closes, they are being dragged into a battle to keep hold of the 20-year-old.
With two years left on his deal, football.london understands Arsenal are still confident of securing a contract extension for Smith Rowe who is expected to commit his future to the club for the next five years.
However, they will need to get the deal done sooner rather than later as Villa's interest has not dropped despite seeing two bids rejected by the north London outfit.
In fact, there has been talk of the Gunners being braced for a third bid from Villa - this one worth £32.5m - for Smith Rowe.
And as revealed by the Birmingham Mail, Villa Sporting director Johan Lange has been given some encouragement about sealing a deal for the attacking midfielder following talks with his representatives.
What may concern some Arsenal fans is that the report states that Smith Rowe has been 'blown away' by Villa's interest.
Furthermore, the England U21 international is said to be set for face-to-face talks with Arteta in the coming days where more light could be shed on this situation.
However, if Smith Rowe's previous comments are anything to go by, then getting his contract sorted so he can end all the speculation around his future could be the topic of discussion.
"I can't really describe the feeling, to be honest," Smith Rowe said on Arsenal's official YouTube channel back in February.
"Being an Arsenal fan from such a young age, getting an opportunity to help put on the Arsenal shirt and step out on that pitch, there's really no better feeling for me."
