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The latest transfer news as Arsenal plan an audacious swoop for an Aston Villa star.
Arsenal have reportedly joined the long list of Premier League clubs interested in signing Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their attacking ranks after failing to mount a proper challenge for the Premier League title, losing out to Liverpool. Injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli stunted Arsenal’s chances, so manager Mikel Arteta is determined to add depth and quality to his forward line.
Rogers, who has played the third most minutes across all competitions for Villa this season behind Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Martinez, is being considered as an option. The 22-year-old has made 51 appearances for the Villans this campaign, including 34 in the Premier League and 12 in the UEFA Champions League.
Football Transfers reports Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Rogers, with new sporting director Andrea Berta a huge admirer. Villa are understandably reluctant to sell one of their most important players but the Gunners believe there could be an “opportunity to strike a deal this summer”.
Villa aren’t in a position of immunity as a sale or two may have to be made in the upcoming window to keep in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Under the regulations, clubs cannot make a loss of over £105 million across a three-year period otherwise they will face sanctions.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers stance crystal clear
Despite selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the winter for around £67.5 million and letting Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz leave for a combined £92 million last summer, Villa are still walking the tightrope. If Unai Emery is to have any proper transfer budget in the upcoming window, some current players may have to be sacrificed.
But, despite the looming PSR danger, Birmingham World understands Rogers is seen as indispensable by Villa. The three-time England international was cherry-picked for Emery’s system when he was signed from Middlesbrough for £15 million in January 2024, a fee that has turned out to be an absolute steal.
Quick, strong and powerful, Rogers is capable of changing a game in an instant. Not many players in the world, let alone just the Premier League, can sprint past defenders as well as the former West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City man can. The turn of pace and strength to brush off and beat defenders makes him a tricky customer.
Rogers is coming to the end of his most productive season to date, too, as he has scored 14 goals and made 13 assists in his 51 games. Only Ollie Watkins, with 29 (16 goals, 13 assists), has more than Rogers’ 27 direct goal involvements.
Losing such a presence would come as a huge blow to Villa, so, despite interest from Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, it’s highly unlikely Rogers will be leaving this summer.
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