Aston Villa are reportedly ready to come back with an improved offer for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe.
The West Midlands outfit are believed to have tabled a £25m offer for the Englishman, but Arsenal swiftly rejected the bid for a player they deem crucial to the future of the club.
Villa have already beaten the Gunners to the signature of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City, but doubts persist over the future of Jack Grealish amid interest from Manchester City.
Now, the Express and Star reports that Villa are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Smith Rowe and are preparing to submit an improved offer for the 20-year-old.
However, the report adds that Arsenal are standing firm on their stance that Smith Rowe is not for sale, and the Gunners are said to be confident of tying the playmaker down to a new long-term contract.
Smith Rowe scored four goals and assisted seven more across all competitions last term, and his existing Emirates deal is not due to run out until 2023.
Ben Knapton
