Latest stance on long-standing Aston Villa transfer target revealed - while Championship club make key decision amid failed bids

Aston Villa might be ‘keeping tabs’ on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe - but it doesn’t appear the attacking midfielder will be leaving the Emirates any time soon.

That’s after West Ham had a reported loan approach for the 23-year-old rejected this week. Meanwhile, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he's happy with the England international, despite handing the youngster just one Premier League start this season.

Speaking about the Arsenal Academy graduate’s current situation in North London ahead of today’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace, the Spaniard said: ‘I’m really happy with Emile. He’s in the right trajectory. Now, he’s settled, he’s training really well and you know I’m not going to talk about individual situations.’

Smith Rowe made just his 13th Premier League appearance of the season against Palace, as he was introduced to the action at the Emirates in the 69th minute.

That lack of game time has heightened speculation about his future, with Unai Emery reported to be an admirer of the forward-thinking ace. Villa were initially linked with Smith Rowe when Steven Gerrard was in charge 18 months ago, but the Arsenal player remains on the club's watch list.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have no intention of letting the player leave on loan as he is still considered a key player in Arteta’s squad. The attacking midfielder is also said to be happy at the Gunners.

Villa are keen to recruit additional attacking reinforcements this month. They have had two bids rejected for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers, who was in Boro's starting XI for their Championship game against Rotherham on Saturday.