‘Very close’: Journalist makes exciting Arsenal claim that fans will love

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Arsenal reportedly “laughed” off Aston Villa’s approaches for Emile Smith Rowe.

Charles Watts made the claim on his YouTube channel, stressing the Gunners never considered parting company with the 20-year-old.

He also says Arsenal feel they’re “very close” to securing Smith Rowe’s services long-term.

It was previously reported that Villa had made two bids for the attacking midfielder, with the second offer reaching £30million.

And despite being knocked back, Villa apparently believed there was a deal to be done.

But as per The Athletic, Mikel Arteta made clear after the Hibs friendly that Smith Rowe “will stay here, 100 percent”.

And Watts claims Arsenal found Villa’s approaches quite amusing before saying the Gunners are optimistic of tying him down to a new deal.

“(Arteta) was asked what he thought about those bids from Aston Villa and he just replied ‘no comment’,” said Watts. “I think that says it all.

“It’s certainly a feeling all around Arsenal, at the moment when it comes to Aston Villa trying to buy Emile Smith Rowe.

“It was never going to be something they considered.

“They laughed it off the first time. They laughed it off the second time.

“And they still believe that they are very close to getting this contract done.

“They are confident it will be signed and he will be an Arsenal player for the long-term.”