Arsenal expected to approach Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers, other transfer interests noted
Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an approach for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has been identified as their primary attacking target. Despite this, Aston Villa has indicated they do not wish to sell the player. Any potential deal for Rogers could exceed £100m, influenced by other recent transfer agreements for midfielders.
Rogers, at 23 years old, signed a new contract with Aston Villa in November, extending until 2031, which places his current club in a strong negotiating position. Interest in Rogers is anticipated to grow following England’s World Cup exit and after a £34m deal for Christos Tzolis was finalised. Other clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, are also said to be interested in the forward.
Last season, Rogers contributed with 14 goals and 11 assists across 55 appearances for Aston Villa. Since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024 for £16m, he has progressed to become an England international, earning 21 caps. He featured in five matches during the 2026 World Cup, providing an assist to Anthony Gordon during England’s semi-final loss to Argentina.
Strategic role and other transfer movements
Arsenal reportedly views Rogers as a wide option, especially with Leandro Trossard potentially departing and Tzolis arriving. This move aims to strengthen the left-hand side of their attack. Rogers has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, playing as a winger for Lincoln City, and occasionally as a false nine or centre-forward for Middlesbrough. Approximately 45 percent of his Premier League minutes for Aston Villa last season were spent as a left winger.
In other transfer news, Mohamed Salah, the 34-year-old Egypt forward, is reportedly set to join Besiktas in Turkey. Manchester United are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams, a 25-year-old Wales international who can play on either flank. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise, 24, who is reportedly open to a move to the Bernabeu.
European interest and player movements
Tottenham have reportedly rejected a £46m bid from Newcastle United for 20-year-old Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Chelsea may need to spend £55m to secure Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, this summer. Ilaix Moriba, a 23-year-old Guinea midfielder from Celta Vigo, has reportedly been offered to several clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Hull, with a potential availability for around 20m euros (£17m).
Bayern Munich has given 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha additional time before he needs to return to the club, as he is reportedly no longer part of Vincent Kompany’s plans; Aston Villa are reportedly interested in him. Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, who may become available following West Ham’s relegation. Due to Spurs’ summer signings, Argentina defender Cristian Romero, 28, is likely to depart.
Both Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson, though neither club has made an offer yet. Juventus has reportedly offered 6.5m euros (£5.5m) for Aston Villa’s 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Villa is seeking 12m euros (£10.2m). Juventus is also reportedly leading the pursuit for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun, 25, with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland also showing interest. Arsenal maintains interest in Julian Alvarez, but a deal appears challenging, partly due to his family’s reported preference to remain in Spain and his desire to join Barcelona. Arsenal also retains interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola, alongside Liverpool, with the conditions of a potential deal having been explored, though PSG reportedly does not wish to sell him.
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Source: bbc.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
