At a Glance:
Ollie Watkins praises Arsenal target Morgan Rogers.
Watkins explains Rogers’ quality and character.
Aston Villa’s stance on selling Rogers.
Morgan Rogers has emerged as the one player who has been linked the most with a summer move to Arsenal.
Rogers is open to signing for Arsenal and based on his progression since joining Aston Villa, it is easy to see him become a superstar at the Emirates Stadium.
While Mikel Arteta’s side won the Premier League in the 2025/2026 season, none of their attacking players well and truly performed at world-class standards.
Arteta adores Rogers and reckons his addition would be a statement signing for the Gunners, with Ollie Watkins detailing why his Aston Villa teammate is a special player.
Ollie Watkins raves about Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers
Arsenal’s longstanding admiration for Rogers has been justified by Rogers, who told Rio Ferdinand Presents that his countryman is a player who is always capable of producing moments of magic.
“I always say to him or sometimes, I say to the boys, ‘Look for Morgan. Give him the ball.’ Because I know, if Morgan gets the ball, he’s going to look for me. So, I’m saying get the ball to Morgan.
Watkins added: “But not only that, not selfishly because of me but because he’s a player than can create things from nothing. He’s very talented, he’s always going to look forward and he’s probably not going to get the ball and play it backwards. He’s going to try and create something and make things happen.”
The striker admitted he would not be taken aback if Rogers started for England at the 2026 World Cup, considering the season he has had, his quality and self-assuredness.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did because he’s so talented, he’s had an amazing season, he’s very confident and he backs his ability. And I think you can see it in the way he’s performed this year, you can see that he’s a very confident guy.”
Aston Villa’s stance on selling Morgan Rogers amid Arsenal interest
Arsenal will not be surprised by Watkins’ assessment of Rogers, who looks to have the makings of a potentially world-class player in the future.
However, Aston Villa intend to keep Rogers next season. Villa may have to let go of some of their players to fund their squad building process by complying with the Premier League’s financial rules.
The England international could cost in excess of £100 million, a fee which would usurp the three-figure sum paid by Manchester City to sign Jack Grealish in 2021.
Arsenal would have every reason to flex their financial muscle in the summer off the back of their Premier League-winning season. But only time will tell how much the club are willing to spend to sign Rogers.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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