Arsenal has been quietly working the background on a move for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. And according to BBC’s Sami Mokbel, the 23-year-old is fully on board with the idea.
“My understanding is that Morgan Rogers is a player that Arsenal would like to sign, and lots of groundwork has been done to try to get that deal into a position where it’s doable this summer,” Mokbel said. He added: “If Arsenal were to formalise their interest now, during the World Cup, it’s a deal I believe he would like. If a deal between Arsenal and Aston Villa can be agreed, I think he would jump at the chance to join.”
That’s about as direct as it gets without an official offer sitting on a desk somewhere. The Gunners need a left-sided forward with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both facing uncertain futures at the club. Rogers fits that slot naturally. He’s an attacking midfielder who can slide wide, and Mikel Arteta along with sporting director Andrea Berta have him pegged as a priority for the summer window.
Rogers is coming off a monster season. Fourteen goals, 12 assists. Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League. He took home PFA Young Player of the Year honors and has looked sharp at the World Cup. His stock is about as high as it gets for a 23-year-old.
Here’s where it gets complicated.
The Money Part
Villa is going to ask for serious cash. We’re talking north of £80 million. Some reports have floated numbers pushing toward £100 million. And Rogers has a contract that runs through 2031, which gives Villa all the leverage in the world. They don’t have to sell. They can sit there and let Arsenal sweat.
Arsenal also isn’t alone in this race. Chelsea and Manchester City have both shown interest. City has a natural connection here since Rogers spent time in their academy before moving on. PSG has been keeping tabs on him too. So even if Arsenal figures out the finances, they’ll have company at the negotiating table.
What gave this whole pursuit more urgency? Nico Williams. Another Arsenal target. He just committed his future to Athletic Club this week. That door closed, and suddenly the Rogers path became the most viable one left.
None of this means a deal gets done. Villa is a tough negotiator, the competition is real, and the price tag is eye-watering. But the groundwork is laid, the player wants it, and Arsenal clearly sees Rogers as the kind of difference-maker who can push them forward. Now it’s about who flinches first.
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