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 is expected to be the subject of an approach from the Premier League champions, though reports suggest his valuation could exceed £100m. Rogers signed a new six-year contract in November, extending his commitment to Villa until the summer of 2031.
Rogers had a notable season, contributing to Villa’s Europa League triumph and their fourth-place finish in the Premier League. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 appearances in all competitions. His performance in the Europa League earned him the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award after scoring and assisting in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul.
Villa are reportedly unwilling to sell Rogers, who is considered one of their most valuable assets. The club has recently been active in the transfer market, nearing a deal for midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves for £38m. Additionally, Villa secured Freiburg‘s Switzerland international Johan Manzambi in a club-record £50m move, surpassing Newcastle United in the pursuit.
Other transfer movements and interests
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to join Besiktas, with the 34-year-old Egypt forward continuing his career in Turkey. Manchester United are showing interest in Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams, a 25-year-old Wales international capable of playing on either flank. United are also reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt‘s 22-year-old Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson, though no offer has been made yet.
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise, 24, who is said to be receptive to a move to the Bernabeu. Chelsea would reportedly need to spend £55m to acquire Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, this summer. Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly rejected a £46m bid from Newcastle United for 20-year-old Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, has been offered to several clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Hull. He could be available for around 20m euros (£17m). Bayern Munich have granted 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is not part of Vincent Kompany‘s plans, additional time before returning to the club, with Aston Villa reportedly interested.
Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham. The 24-year-old is likely to be available following West Ham’s relegation. Tottenham’s summer transfer activity could lead to some departures, with 28-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero potentially leaving the club.
In Italy, Juventus have offered Aston Villa 6.5m euros (£5.5m) for 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Villa are seeking 12m euros (£10.2m). Juventus are also reportedly leading the pursuit for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun, 25, with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland also showing interest.
Arsenal’s previous transfer activity includes triggering a £34.5m option to make Piero Hincapie‘s loan from Bayer Leverkusen a permanent transfer. The club is also reportedly eager to sign Georgian Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili this summer.
Rogers is expected to feature for England in their final tournament game in Miami, having started the semi-final against Argentina and provided an assist for Anthony Gordon‘s opening goal.
The World Cup is nearing its conclusion, with England facing France in Saturday’s bronze medal match before the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.
Read Also
- Marcus Rashford's Future at Manchester United: Contract, Loan Spells, and Pre-Season Plans
- Former England international calls for Thomas Tuchel's departure after World Cup exit
- New York New Jersey to host World Cup final debut of championship rings
- Barbados remembers Sir Garfield Sobers, cricket's legendary all-rounder
Source: bbc.co.uk
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
