Arsenal have rejected a second offer from Aston Villa for Emile Smith Rowe.
The Gunners knocked back an initial bid of £25 million ($35m) from Villa for their young playmaker two weeks ago and made it clear that he was not for sale.
Tthat stance has not put off the midlands outfit, who have now returned with an improved offer for the 20-year-old.
How much was the bid?
Villa upped their initial offer for Smith Rowe by £5m ($7m), submitting an official bid of £30m ($42m) for the England Under-21s international.
Arsenal rejected it out of hand once again, reiterating their stance that the player is not for sale.
The academy product has two years left on his contract at Arsenal and talks are taking place to try and extend that deal.
What will happen next?
It is currently unclear whether Villa will return with a third bid for Smith Rowe.
Arsenal remain hopeful that contract talks will soon reach a successful conclusion and he will commit his long-term future to the club, but until the contract is signed, interested clubs will continue to believe there is an opportunity to prize the young attacker away from Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's new head of football operations Richard Garlick is leading the contract negotiations, with a five-year deal believed to be being discussed.
Further reading
- Villa's cheeky Smith Rowe bid should serve as a warning for Arsenal
- What's next for Saliba as Arsenal close in on £50m White?
- Tiago Tomas: Sporting's €60m wonderkid on Arsenal's transfer radar
