Unai Emery keen to reunite with Arsenal star at Aston Villa as Wolves eye La Liga striker

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly planning a shock raid on former club Arsenal as he looks to add to his midfield ranks this summer.

The Spaniard is currently fully focused on his side’s late push for a place in European competition and that could boost his chances of landing one ambitious target. Gunners attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is said to be on Emery’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 22-year-old has endured an injury-hit season and has been limited to just 12 appearances in all competitions as his side look to secure their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite watching on from the sidelines, Smith Rowe is still a firm favourite with Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who set a firm challenge for the midfielder as he looks to force his way back into his side.

Speaking last month as the England international approached full fitness, Arteta said: “He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities. And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and win.

“And he’s going to have to show that to get in the team. I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he’s in a position where we can throw him in the team at any moment. And then it’s about how he’s coping with the team in general and whether we have to take him off or to use him in the last few minutes of the game.”

The report in Fichajes has suggested there is ‘no information’ on whether Smith Rowe would be allowed to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer but has stated there could be a big sale by the Gunners to enable them to strengthen their ranks in preparation for what they hope will be another title push next season. Intriguingly, Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker and Villarreal forward Samu Chukweze are also named as Villa targets as they approach the final 12 months of their contracts this summer.

Wolves on the hunt for La Liga striker

Wolves are reportedly set to compete with Premier League rivals Everton for the signing of Almeria striker El Bilal Toure.

The Mali international frontman has scored six goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances since he moved to the La Liga club from Ligue 1 side Reims last summer and his form has led to interest from several clubs around Europe.

Spanish outlet Goal have claimed both Wolves and Everton are showing ‘strong interest’ in the 21-year-old and are ‘on the hunt’ for his signature during the summer transfer window. Toure is under contract until the summer of 2028 and his deal is believed to include a release clause of around £34m.