Arsenal have been linked with a summer transfer move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has been urged to avoid an Arsenal transfer this summer.
Morgan Rogers has been urged to avoid an Arsenal transfer this summer.(Image: (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images))
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Richard Keys says Morgan Rogers should not go 'anywhere near' Arsenal this summer amid ongoing transfer speculation linking the Aston Villa playmaker with a move to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is understood to be the main driver behind a move for the England international this summer, who has shone under Unai Emery since his move to Villa Park.
Rogers has a reported asking price in the region of £80m and Arsenal are among the clubs looking to sign the 23-year-old in order to bolster their attack. His versatility is said to be an attractive proposition for Arteta, who is looking to bolster his squad on the left-hand side of the attack.
However, Keys has drawn comparisons between Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal from Crystal Palace last summer, where he was a key figure at Selhurst Park, but featured less for the Gunners this season.
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On social media, Keys said: "I know Villa can be ‘resolute’ as well but if I’m Morgan Rogers I’m not going anywhere near Arsenal.
"He should ask Eze how he feels about his move. I guess if he did sign he could do that sitting next to him on the bench. Football is to be enjoyed not endured."
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 20: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Alex Livesey - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Rogers(Image: Alex Livesey - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images))
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Arteta stated the club needed to make 'important decisions' to demonstrate 'ambition' and elevate the side to 'another level' following their first Premier League title triumph in 22 years.
The comments were notably direct, as Arteta is pushing for significant reinforcements, with Aston Villa's England star Rogers firmly among Arsenal's potential targets.
Rogers is also drawing attention from clubs such as PSG after another standout campaign under Unai Emery, amid suggestions that Villa may be forced to sell to help balance their finances.
Whether Villa will part with him remains uncertain, but Rogers is catching Arsenal's eye due to his versatility in playing as a No.10 or out wide on the left, a crucial area Arteta is keen to bolster. Arteta favours players capable of operating in multiple roles and is seeking greater attacking firepower and quality ahead of a possible summer reshuffle.
The key difference this time is that Arsenal splashed out £250million last summer in a massive spending spree, which brought in Viktor Gyokeres, Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard, while they will finalise a permanent move for Piero Hincapie.
This summer, the focus is on adding quality while also streamlining the squad to accommodate fresh arrivals, with Gabriel Martinelli amongst those who could depart. There is also interest surrounding Gabriel Jesus, although the Brazil international is in no hurry to move on with 12 months remaining on his contract.
Arsenal will be active in the transfer market this summer, with their attacking options once again the priority, though any move for another No. 9 would hinge on a departure first.
Arteta clearly believes business can be done, and his messaging immediately after the final was revealing because he is eager to bolster the squad with quality.