Arsenal are reportedly set to ramp up talks to sign Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who is currently on international duty with England at the World Cup. The Gunners are hopeful that Declan Rice and the club's other England internationals can help persuade the 23-year-old to seal a transfer to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Arsenal Prioritise Rogers as Key Target
Mikel Arteta's side are huge admirers of Rogers and have made landing him a top priority. According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are enlisting their Three Lions stars to convince their international teammate to link up with the Premier League champions. It is understood that both Arsenal and Chelsea would be prepared to negotiate a deal in the region of £85 million, with Villa needing to offload players to meet financial regulations.
However, Unai Emery's side have made it abundantly clear that Rogers remains central to their plans ahead of their Champions League return. Villa are reportedly conscious of the soaring cost of midfielders in today's market and must also factor in a 20 per cent sell-on fee agreed with Middlesbrough as part of his original move to Villa Park.
Rogers Receptive to Emirates Switch
According to the report, Rogers is receptive to a switch to the Emirates Stadium and is keen to hear what the Premier League champions have to offer. Rice has reportedly been working his magic on international duty at the World Cup, while Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are also in the England camp.
Arteta is said to be targeting four or five high-quality signings this summer as the Gunners look to go one better next season and lift the Champions League trophy. Rogers sits at the top of Arsenal's transfer wishlist, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez also firmly on the Gunners' radar. Sporting director Andrea Berta has a strong familiarity with the Argentinian striker, having personally secured his signature at Atletico from Manchester City.
Additional Targets and Potential Departures
Arsenal have additionally been offered Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, while Alex Scott has also emerged as a target for the north London club. The Gunners will need to offload players of their own to fund their transfer business, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli all linked with departures. There are also question marks over Ethan Nwaneri's future at the club, while Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie are reportedly attracting interest.
