If Arsenal genuinely have the chance to sign Morgan Rogers this summer, they shouldn't hesitate.
Few attackers in the Premier League combine his physicality, creativity and versatility quite like the Aston Villa star, and those qualities make him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta's system.
Rogers-Bellingham-England-World-Cup
At 23, Rogers already looks capable of influencing the biggest matches, with his assist against Argentina in the World Cup being a latest example, but there is still every reason to believe his best football lies ahead.
That is exactly the type of profile Arsenal should be investing in if they want to stay ahead of their rivals, with the England forward racking up 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances for Villa last season as they lifted the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.
Unlike many natural wingers, Rogers is equally comfortable drifting inside, carrying the ball through central areas or linking play between midfield and attack.
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Arsenal have occasionally relied too heavily on Bukayo Saka to provide creativity from wide areas. Rogers would ease that burden while also offering genuine competition for places.
The financial side, however, remains the biggest obstacle.
Villa have shown little appetite to sell one of their most valuable stars and are expected to demand well into nine figures before considering negotiations.
Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta therefore know that convincing the player is only part of the challenge.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick, Sporting Director Andrea Berta and Director of Football Operations James King
Even so, Fabrizio Romano's latest update suggests confidence is growing behind the scenes.
Arsenal to accelerate Morgan Rogers deal after Christos Tzolis agreement
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are set to accelerate their pursuit of Rogers after keeping him at the top of their winger shortlist throughout the summer.
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Romano adds that talks with the player's representatives are already well advanced and that the deal is completely separate from Arsenal's move for Christos Tzolis, with Berta determined to land both attackers.
He also states there have been no discussions over PSG winger Bradley Barcola, with Arsenal's full focus currently on Rogers.
Arsenal have admired Rogers since the end of last season, and previous reports from Sky Sports and The Guardian have consistently described him as Arsenal's priority wide target despite Aston Villa's reluctance to sell.
It is easy to understand why.
With Tzolis expected to arrive regardless of what happens elsewhere, Arsenal appear determined to continue strengthening their attack, and if Rogers eventually follows him to the Emirates, it would represent one of the most significant statements of the summer.
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