Declan Rice is privately urging Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to join Arsenal this summer, according to reports. The Arsenal star has been leading a charm offensive during their time together in England's World Cup squad.
Arsenal's Priority Target
Arsenal are targeting a move for Rogers, who was one of Villa's standout performers last season with 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. However, the Premier League champions face competition from Chelsea, who are also keen on a deal for the 23-year-old.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are now 'planning to step up their interest' in Rogers and believe an £85 million offer could convince Villa to sell. Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of Rogers due to his ability to play across multiple attacking midfield positions, while Arsenal consider a move for the Villa player as a 'priority'.
Rice's Role in the Transfer
The report adds that Rice has been 'leading the charm offensive' and is 'working away' on convincing Rogers during their time together in England's World Cup squad. Villa signed Rogers in a £15m deal from Middlesbrough two years ago and the Championship club hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Rogers' World Cup Ambitions
Rogers is pushing to make his first start at the World Cup after coming off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday. 'Of course, I'm disappointed, I want to play every game. Everyone wants to play. Every sub would say the same thing,' Rogers said on Thomas Tuchel's decision to start Jude Bellingham ahead of him.
'But Jude is one of the best players in the world, I know that. If we're going to do well in this tournament, he's going to have to be at the forefront of it. I have to understand my role, that if I'm on the bench and the manager asks me to do a role and come on and impact the game, then that's what I'm going to do.'
'I'm honoured to be here and I wanted to be here to play any part that I can to get on the pitch and to try to give my all and give my version of what that looks like as a player. I think that's the most important thing, to try to add to the team in any way, shape or form to try to get wins.'
'I've made my debut in a World Cup, it's something I've always dreamed of and always wanted to achieve. It's a really nice feeling to get on the pitch and contribute any way I can. I wish I could take it in. I probably took it in more when I was on the bench than when you're playing and when you're trying to push to get a winner.'
England play Ghana in their next game in Group L on Tuesday.
