Aston Villa have adopted a firm stance on midfielder Morgan Rogers, valuing the 23-year-old England international at well above £100 million amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to reports.
Villa's New Valuation
The Daily Mail reports that Villa's owners intend to reject any approach for Rogers unless an offer reaches 'well above £100m.' This marks a significant shift from earlier assumptions that the club would accept around £85 million for the player. Rogers has been with Villa for two-and-a-half seasons, scoring 14 goals from midfield in each of his two full campaigns, and has earned 13 caps under England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Market Context
Premier League clubs have increasingly demanded enormous fees for midfielders. Declan Rice moved from West Ham to Arsenal for over £100 million, while Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea from Brighton for a similar sum. Manchester City are expected to pay around £120 million for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, outbidding Manchester United. Villa's owners view Rogers in the same bracket and want more than the £100 million they received from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Contract and Financial Pressures
Rogers signed a new contract at Villa Park in November last year, tying him to the club until 2031, giving Villa little pressure to sell. However, the club faces financial regulations that may require a sale to strengthen elsewhere, potentially tempting them to part with their prized asset.
Teammate's Praise
Club and country teammate Ollie Watkins commented on Rogers: 'Morgan can go to the very top. You've seen what he can do in a short space of time in 18 months, how he's developed and started to perform at the top, top level which has got him all the recognition he deserves. I think he's got his head on his shoulders at the end of the day, he's an intelligent guy who is hardworking and confidence in his own ability and I think he can go to the very top. He speaks for himself.'
Potential Martinelli Interest
The same report indicates Villa are interested in Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, though a move remains unlikely due to financial constraints and the wages Martinelli would demand. Unai Emery, who worked with Martinelli during his short stint at Arsenal, remains a fan of the wide man.
