Trevor Sinclair has made a transfer claim regarding Aston Villa's pursuit of Arsenal forward Emile Smith-Rowe.

What's the talk?

Former Villa forward Trevor Sinclair has claimed that a transfer to Villa Park could do Emile Smith-Rowe a “whole heap of good” this summer. Sinclair believes that Smith-Rowe would benefit from leaving Arsenal to come and be a star player for Villa, especially if Jack Grealish left the club - although there is no update on that front.

Sinclair has also said that Smith-Rowe reminds him of ex-Arsenal and Villa midfielder Paul Merson. He told talkSPORT, as transcribed by Football 365:

“I think that points me towards the direction that Jack Grealish could potentially be moving away from Aston Villa.

“I have said it before about Smith Rowe. He reminds me of Paul Merson. Before the ball is coming into him, he’s looking to play it around the corner, first time, then get after it and join in.

“I feel he could be a player that could go in, if Grealish did go and develop his game. Start playing Premier League football and do himself a whole heap of good.”

Earlier this year, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta lavished praise on the “extraordinary” attacker Emile Smith-Rowe, alongside Bukayo Saka, as he impressed in the Premier League for the Gunners. He told Sky Sports, as transcribed by the Independent:

“I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well, and that’s a merit to them, a merit for their team-mates and everybody that is involved to try to support them and protect them as well.

“But the performances that they are putting in are extraordinary.”

Next Paul Merson

NSWE could land Villa their next Paul Merson if they are able to seal a deal for Smith-Rowe this summer. They have already tested Arsenal's resolve once with a £25m offer for the young English forward, which the Gunners rejected, and they could yet go in again in an attempt to secure his services.

Even if Jack Grealish stays at Villa, Smith-Rowe could arrive and add an extra threat to Dean Smith's attacking options. He could field a front four of Emi Buendia, Smith-Rowe, Grealish and Ollie Waktins, which would be an exciting young forward line in the Premier League.

Merson enjoyed an excellent career with Arsenal, Villa, and England. After playing the best part of 300 games for Arsenal, Merson arrived at Villa and played 139 times for the club, producing 19 goals from midfield in the latter stages of his career.

This was after he won two Premier League titles and was capped over 20 times by England. However, with Smith-Rowe they could get a talented player at the opposite end of his career, with the Englishman turning 21 next month.

That said, they both have similar attributes in terms of their attacking game.

On top of that, Villa could be getting the £20k-per-week earner at the perfect time to develop him as a player and allow him to flourish into a top talent at Villa Park, much like Grealish has been able to do in recent years. Smith could have the chance to work with Smith-Rowe and help him hone his skills in the attacking midfield position.

Smith-Rowe managed three goals and seven assists in his first full season for Arsenal, showing that he has the potential to become a top player at this level. This is why NSWE must sanction a deal for Smith-Rowe if they can up their offer and convince Arsenal to part ways with him.

AND in other news, Lange must sanction Villa deal for "outstanding" 65-cap "leader", Dean Smith needs him...