Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has told TribalFootball.com it would be a "disaster" if the club sold Emile Smith Rowe.
After loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, the 20-year-old academy graduate has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Emirates.
With his team enduring their worst start to a season in decades, Mikel Arteta threw Smith Rowe into the number 10 role against Chelsea on Boxing Day and the youngster never looked back, scoring seven goals and seven assists from 45 appearances for the campaign.
His performances caught the attention of Aston Villa, who are looking to take advantage of his precarious contract situation as the Croydon native is set for free agency in 2023.
Smith Rowe celebrates scoring against West Brom
The Midlands giants have launched two unsuccessful bids for the England U21 international, and The Mirror says they will submit a third.
Winterburn, who spent 14 years with the Gunners, says it would be catastrophic for Arsenal to lose a prized young talent and must be avoided at all costs.
Speaking to TribalFootball.com, on behalf of NetBet, Winterburn said of Smith Rowe: "If we were to let him go it would be a disaster, it would send out completely the wrong messages to our supporters.
"He's a young player who's had his breakthrough season, he's been hugely impressive and we cannot afford to let him go.
"I do genuinely believe it would have such a negative effect on the club, we've got some good attacking young talent and to sell to another Premier League club would be a complete disaster."
Arsenal have already lost out to Aston Villa this summer in the pursuit of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City.
The north London club were long linked with the Argentine attacker, only for Villa to pay £35m for his signature last month.
Smith Rowe in action for England U21s
According to former Villa defender Alan Hutton, a third bid for Smith Rowe would further signify the club's intention to break the Premier League status quo.
"All the Aston Villa fans will be absolutely buzzing to see things like this," Hutton told Football Insider. This is a boy where he's only 19, 20 but so much potential moving forward. We've seen a lot already.
"They've went in with £25million, come back a week later with £30million. It would not surprise me if they come in with another £5million on top.
"He's somebody that would excite the fans. It wouldn't surprise me if another bid goes in and they do actually get it this time. I do believe that they will go in with another offer."
