Aston Villa have been linked with both Todd Cantwell and Emile Smith-Rowe in recent weeks but who would be the better addition to Dean Smith's side this summer?
Todd Cantwell
According to the Telegraph, Villa are continuing to monitor the £19.8m-rated Norwich City ace after his impressive performances in the Championship last season helped Daniel Farke's side win promotion back to the top-flight.
Smith's side have already signed Emiliano Buendia from the Canaries this summer and could look to the Championship title holders once again should they bring in Cantwell.
The 23-year-old winger, who can play on either side, contributed six goals and six assists for Farke's side last season in the second tier, earning an impressive 7.13 rating from WhoScored for his performances, so was clearly a key player for the Canaries.
Former West Ham man Dean Ashton is certainly a big fan of Cantwell, as he sang his praises on talkSPORT earlier this year, saying:
“When I first saw him I said to Darren Huckerby, ‘how is that lad not training with the first-team?
“He was incredible. The way he was drifting past players. His speed of thought and his awareness. He’s just a wonderful player.”
Emile Smith-Rowe
Villa have already seen a £30m bid rejected for the Arsenal youngster, who impressed last season after breaking into Mikel Arteta's first team following loan spells with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town.
The 20-year-old made 20 appearances in the Premier League for the Gunners, contributing two goals and four assists, averaging a solid 6.77 rating from WhoScored for his performances, whilst he also managed one goal and three assists in the Europa League.
Given that Arsenal are clearly desperate to keep hold of Smith-Rowe this summer a deal will be very difficult to complete for Villa, although he clearly has a huge future in the Premier League so any potential fee may well be worth it.
Who would be better
Considering their respective goal and assist returns last season, as well as the fact that Cantwell would be considerably cheaper and could link up well with Buendia, the Norwich City man might be the better option for Smith's side this summer, so sporting director Johan Lange should forget about Smith-Rowe and instead focus on signing Cantwell as it looks like Arsenal have no intention of selling their player, whilst Cantwell is seemingly available at the right price.
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