Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly ready to formally tell Arsenal that he wants to leave the Emirates Stadium.
Since progressing through the academy system, the versatile attacker has racked up 18 goals and 13 assists from 115 appearances in all competitions.
As many as 12 of those contributions came during the 2021-22 Premier League campaign when the England international was a key man under Mikel Arteta.
However, the 23-year-old has since slipped down the pecking order, a consequence of a number of injuries suffered over the past two years.
Smith Rowe has earned just 508 minutes of top-flight football over that timeframe and the fact that it has come over 25 appearances highlights he is no longer regarded as a first-choice player.
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Smith Rowe keen to force exit
According to Football Insider, Smith Rowe is prepared to tell Arsenal officials that he would prefer to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
The player is eager to join a club where he can play regular football, something which will realistically not be achieved at the Gunners given that they have since developed into Premier League and Champions League contenders.
Given their desire to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, Arsenal are unlikely to stand in Smith Rowe's way.
Nevertheless, it is maintained that Arsenal are prepared to stick to their £30m valuation courtesy of Smith Rowe's homegrown status.
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Which clubs may be interested?
The report adds that Aston Villa are one of three clubs who have a strong interest in acquiring the services of Smith Rowe.
Unai Emery is no stranger to the playmaker having handed him his debut at Arsenal during the 2018-19 campaign, and a reunion may be viewed as a natural move.
While Villa can offer Champions League football, the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace could be better options if Smith Rowe wishes to play every week.
Both London clubs are eager to push on and challenge for the European places in 2024-25, particularly the latter who were outstanding during the final stages of the most recent campaign.
