Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White if they fail to secure Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this summer. Mikel Arteta is said to be driving the club's interest in Rogers, who is also attracting attention from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
Rogers, 23, is a key asset for Villa, who are expected to resist offers ahead of their Champions League return. However, should a deal prove impossible, Arsenal may turn to Gibbs-White, a former Tottenham target who scored 18 goals and provided seven assists for Forest last season.
Gibbs-White was left out of England's World Cup squad despite his impressive form. Tottenham pursued him last summer with a £60 million bid, but Forest stood firm, even threatening legal action. The 26-year-old subsequently signed a new contract at the City Ground.
Forest are unlikely to entertain offers for Gibbs-White, especially as they face a battle to keep Elliot Anderson, wanted by Manchester City and United. Rogers remains Arsenal's first choice for an attacking midfield role, with Arteta personally sanctioning the move.
Former Villa striker Emile Heskey warned that Rogers could struggle for game time at Arsenal. 'Would it be difficult to say no to Arsenal? Yes and no,' Heskey told Metro. 'You have to look at who is ahead of you in both teams. He’s top of the pile at Villa, he is the main man. If he goes to Arsenal, where would he be in that pecking order?'
