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Arsenal are set to ramp up their pursuit of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
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Writing in his GiveMeSport newsletter, Jacobs said the Gunners are “expected to start formal talks”, but the transfer could prove to be very expensive:
“Arsenal are expected to bid for Morgan Rogers, and let’s see whether Villa stick to a reported asking price, which may not be that far off Elliot Anderson’s fee to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, or if the clubs are able to get that deal under £100million.”
“Last year, when Rogers extended, the feeling from interested parties was £80million, maybe with some add-ons, might be good enough, but we’re in a crazy inflated market.”
“Villa have brought in some money already, and there’s more than one club interested, so let’s see how negotiations develop, but Arsenal are expected to start formal talks with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers.”
England’s exit from the World Cup should accelerate plans
In general, players don’t like to be disturbed when they are involved in a big international tournament, and it is very likely to be the reason why Mikel Arteta’s side have not made a move for Rogers up until now.
However, England’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night should mean this transfer gathers pace.
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Villa are likely to be tough in negotiations. They have recently lost two key players in Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, and they will be very reluctant to lose another.
It should also be pointed out that Rogers only signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract late last year, so the Villans are in a strong negotiating position.
That suggests they may not be prepared to back down on their reported £130m asking price. The Gunners will have to be willing to break the bank to secure their top summer transfer target.