Premier League champions Arsenal have moved into a strong position in the race to sign Morgan Rogers, with the Aston Villa star emerging as one of Mikel Arteta’s leading summer targets as the Gunners look to reshape their attacking options ahead of their title defence.
The England international has become one of the most in-demand young attacking midfielders in Europe after a standout season at Villa Park, registering 25 goal contributions in 55 appearances across all competitions. Despite the Villans securing Champions League qualification, his long-term future is now the subject of growing transfer attention.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Rogers is expected to leave Villa Park this summer, with the Villans having to balance the books financially with regard to the Premier League's new Squad Cost Rules, as well as adhering to UEFA's strict policy on squad cost rules too, having qualified for the Champions League.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich target Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers
In a report from 1010 it is suggested that Rogers’ representatives have held extensive conversations with only two clubs at this stage, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, with both sides exploring a potential deal ahead of the summer window. However, it is Arsenal who are currently viewed as the most advanced in their pursuit.
The Gunners have identified Rogers as a key solution to add creativity, ball-carrying threat and versatility in the final third. After previously monitoring Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon before his move to Barcelona, Arsenal’s recruitment focus has now shifted firmly towards the £100million-rated Villa midfielder.
While Bayern Munich remain interested, Arsenal’s pursuit is understood to be more concrete, with internal discussions already taking place over how Rogers would fit into Arteta’s attacking structure.
At this stage, no formal agreement has been reached, but Arsenal’s position as a Premier League rival, combined with their long-term project under Arteta which culminated in their title win and Champions League final appearance last month, is believed to be a significant factor in shaping the player’s preference.
Rogers keen on Arsenal move amid England World Cup preparations
Rogers vs Bellingham
Rogers himself is understood to be keen on the move to the Emirates Stadium but has not shut the door on a move to the Bundesliga entirely.
The timing of any deal could also be influenced by international duty, with Rogers named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. He is expected to play a key role in the tournament.
Tuchel has indicated that he will utilise both Bellingham and Rogers in the tournament's early stages, saying after their win over Costa Rice:
Jude has the personality to score, to be decisive and to arrive in the box, so it is an option to play with him and Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel has also confirmed that players will be allowed to leave camp for transfer-related business if required. This means Arsenal would not necessarily have to wait until the conclusion of England’s campaign, which could run until mid-July, to finalise negotiations for the midfielder.
Rogers’ rise within the England setup has also boosted Villa’s asking price. At one stage during qualification, he was viewed as being ahead of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham in the pecking order after featuring in all eight qualifiers.
Rogers' ability to operate across multiple attacking roles and his growing importance to the Three Lions at international level only strengthens his appeal to the Gunners, who are actively seeking greater depth in their attacking options.
Arsenal are leading the race for Rogers as things stand and as the summer window approaches, the Gunners are increasingly confident that he could become the headline addition to Arteta’s squad.
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