Arsenal have made informal checks into a deal for Morgan Rogers by looking into whether it would be possible to convince Premier League counterparts Aston Villa to sanction a move to the Emirates Stadium as preparations are made for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Gunners, who will travel to Manchester United on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, have already discovered that it could take more than £85million to land top target Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig as boss Mikel Arteta goes in search of fresh firepower.
But the Spanish tactician is also keen to secure additional creativity and has been working closely with sporting director Andrea Berta, who has been spearheading the recruitment drive since being appointed as Edu's successor in March, to identify potential acquisitions as Arsenal aim to end their wait for major silverware.
Gunners Considering Swoop to Recruit Rogers
North Londoners assessing England international's situation
Morgan Rogers in action for Aston Villa
Arsenal have made informal checks over a summer deal for Rogers, according to GMS sources, but Aston Villa's determination to retain his services has resulted in it becoming clear that they will only entertain facilitating a move if a mega-money bid is put on the table in the coming months.
The Villans slapped a £90million price tag on the England international before the transfer window officially reopened for business earlier this week, highlighting that the Gunners will need to be prepared to splash the cash in order to stand a chance of agreeing a fee in preparation for next term.
GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal have been contemplating whether to make a move for Rogers, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign in his current surroundings, and that has resulted in the north Londoners making initial contact to assess his situation at Aston Villa.
Morgan Rogers' statistics for Aston Villa this season
Arteta is in serious danger of facing an uphill battle to convince former Gunners head coach Unai Emery to offload the attacking midfielder as there are still five years remaining on his £75,000-per-week contract, meaning the Villans are under no pressure to lower their lucrative demands.
Arsenal have been showing a genuine interest in Rogers at a time when Berta has been keeping his options open by exploring potential swoops for various targets, GMS sources have learned, but Aston Villa have insisted that they will continue adopting a hard stance as he is a key part of their future plans.
Arteta Faces Stiff Competition to Sign Rogers
Premier League rivals in market for attacking midfielder's signature
Morgan Rogers in action for Aston Villa
GMS sources have been told that Arsenal are facing competition for Rogers' signature as Chelsea have also been keeping tabs on his situation and have refused to rule out trying their luck by entering negotiations before moving onto alternative targets if it becomes clear that Aston Villa will not alter their stance.
The 22-year-old has been described as 'frightening' by Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell, having taken his game to another level since heading to the Midlands from Championship side Middlesbrough, and his form has resulted in the Gunners and Blues being eager to win the race for a deal.
But Aston Villa are threatening to put an end to Arsenal and Chelsea's hopes as they have no intention of cashing in on Rogers unless a proposal which is too good to turn down arrives, GMS sources understand, and he has been giving no indications that he would be prepared to agitate for a switch to the capital.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Gunners are not aiming to land Jack Grealish after he has fallen out of favour at Manchester City, but they are seriously considering whether to attempt to raid other Premier League rivals as they go in search of upgrading their current options ahead of a push to add to the trophy cabinet.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 18/06/2025
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