Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers
Arsenal are reportedly targeting Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers as their primary attacking acquisition. The 23-year-old, who has previously attracted interest from Chelsea, is expected to be the subject of an approach from Arsenal. However, reports suggest that the potential transfer fee for Rogers could exceed £100m.
Rogers has had a notable season, playing a key role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph and their fourth-place finish in the Premier League. He contributed significantly with 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 appearances in all competitions last term, earning the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award. His performance included both a goal and an assist in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, Aston Villa has shown reluctance to sell what they consider a valuable asset. Rogers signed a new six-year contract in November, which is set to run until the summer of 2031. Some reports indicate that Villa values the former Middlesbrough, Manchester City, and West Brom attacker at £130m. For Arsenal, their current record signing is Declan Rice, who joined from West Ham for £105m in 2023.
Aston Villa is also active in the transfer market, reportedly nearing a deal for Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves for £38m. Additionally, they have secured a club-record £50m transfer for Freiburg’s Switzerland international Johan Manzambi, who impressed at the World Cup, surpassing Newcastle’s interest.
Other transfer market movements
In other transfer news, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, the 34-year-old Egypt forward, is reportedly set to continue his career in Turkey, with a move to Besiktas anticipated. Meanwhile, Manchester United is exploring options for Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams. The 25-year-old Wales international is versatile, capable of playing on either flank.
Real Madrid has shown interest in Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise, 24, who is reportedly open to a move to the Bernabeu. Tottenham, on the other hand, has turned down a £46m bid from Newcastle United for their 20-year-old Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Chelsea may need to spend £55m if they aim to sign Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, this summer.
Midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, from Celta Vigo and Guinea, has been offered to several clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Hull. He could be available for approximately 20m euros (£17m). Bayern Munich has granted 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha additional time before he must return to the club, with Aston Villa reportedly interested in him.
Tottenham is also reportedly interested in signing Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, who is likely to be available following West Ham’s relegation. The summer transfer activity at Spurs could lead to departures, with Argentina defender Cristian Romero, 28, potentially leaving the club. Both Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson, though no offers have been made yet.
In Italy, Juventus has offered 6.5m euros (£5.5m) for 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Aston Villa is seeking 12m euros (£10.2m). Juventus is also reportedly leading the pursuit for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun, 25, with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland also showing interest. Arsenal, meanwhile, triggered a £34.5m option to make Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen a permanent transfer last month.
Arsenal is also believed to be keen on signing Georgian Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili this summer.
International tournament impact
The ongoing World Cup is influencing transfer discussions, with the tournament drawing to a close. England is scheduled to face France in Saturday’s bronze medal match, ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. Morgan Rogers is expected to feature for England in their final tournament game in Miami, having started in the semi-final defeat by Argentina and provided an assist for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal.
Further arrivals are anticipated at Arsenal as their summer business intensifies following the conclusion of the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.com
