The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed that Aston Villa have submitted a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

What's the story?

Having clinched the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich - a player that Arsenal were also reported to be interested in - it appears Dean Smith isn't done with reinforcing the attacking midfield areas.

And, according to Ornstein, the Midlands club put in a £25m bid for England youth international Smith Rowe, although the bid was officially rejected by the Gunners as they intend to offer Smith Rowe a new contract to keep him at the Emirates.

However, while their offer for Smith Rowe may have been turned down, there are reasons for Villa fans to be buzzing.

Fans should be buzzing

Having already beaten Arsenal to the signing of Buendia - The Athletic even claimed that the Argentine's first-choice was a move to Villa Park - it's a significant statement of intention from Smith's side to go after one of the Gunners' prized talents.

Gregg Evans even said: "Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

"Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.

"Also, while their desires to sign Smith Rowe are real, it’s one thing bidding for him, and another actually landing the attacker. But already, these are starting to feel like exciting times for Villa. They are flexing their muscles in the market and aiming high."

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It's exactly why fans should be absolutely buzzing at the sheer knowledge that their club even considered Smith Rowe as a transfer target, and put in an official offer for him - as Evans says, moving for one of Arsenal's star players would have been unthinkable perhaps even last year, let alone several.

But such has been the meteoric rise that Smith's side have enjoyed, that this is the kind of ambition and statement that Villa are trying to make, and it really is "exciting times" for the Midlands club.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an update on this Villa man...