Aston Villa have reportedly reduced their asking price for Morgan Rogers as speculation over the future of the Arsenal target intensifies.
The Gunners have made signing a new left winger the top focus for sporting director Andrea Berta this summer. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both had long spells without scoring last season, and Mikel Arteta believes his options in that position could be significantly upgraded.
Arteta is a big admirer of Rogers and would be the manager’s dream signing. Aston Villa’s difficult financial position, in part due to overspending on player wages and transfer fees relative to their revenue, is said to have opened the door for Rogers to be sold.
It was previously reported that Villa would demand a fee in excess of the £100 million Manchester City paid for former star Jack Grealish in 2021. However, Sky Sports believe that a figure closer to £80 million could tempt Villa’s hand. The Midlands club are said to have accepted they have little say in keeping Rogers, even after a fourth-placed finish and a return to the Champions League.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, according to reports. Sky Sports insist that no formal talks have taken place between Arsenal and Villa, while the wider expectation is that no real progress will be made until after England’s World Cup exploits end.
Standard Sport understands that Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi is on Arsenal's shortlist too after a brilliant first season in England. However, Bournemouth's stance is far firmer than Villa's in that they view the Frenchman as not for sale.
