Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old playmaker has become one of the most sought-after names ahead of the summer window. A figure of around £80m, potentially more if a bidding war breaks out, is expected to be enough to convince the West Midlands outfit to sanction a sale.
Rogers, who moved to Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for a fee believed to be about £8m, has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents under Unai Emery. The England international has provided 10 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League this season and was a leading light in Villa’s recent Europa League final win over Freiburg. He is tied to a contract until 2031, but his future has changed dramatically in recent weeks.
Arsenal, who have long admired the forward, have been somewhat put off by the eye-watering valuation, while Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be in the mix for the playmaker. Things are complicated further by the 20% sell-on clause owed to Middlesbrough from his previous transfer, and Villa need to maximise the best value out of any deal that comes to fruition.
As per reports, Manchester United have already contacted Villa about the forward, and the player is likely to announce his chosen destination before the World Cup begins.
Rogers Eyes Starting Role for England as Tuchel’s World Cup Squad Takes Shape
Rogers will be on international duty with England this summer before any transfer talk crystallises into anything concrete. The Halesowen-born playmaker has started all the games since the German took over, cementing his place as one of the most trusted attackers in the Three Lions squad ahead of the global showpiece.
Just days ago, the 23-year-old took his chance on the grandest of stages, scoring and assisting in Villa’s 3-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League final, becoming the youngest Englishman to score in a major European final in 25 years. The victory ended the club’s 44-year wait for a European trophy and underlined Rogers’ ability to deliver when the heat is on.
He has strong competition for the number 10 role from Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden, but his consistent output in 2025/26 has put him firmly in pole position. What transpires internationally in the coming weeks could ultimately decide where Rogers plays his club football next season.