Morgan Rogers has done something rare in modern football — earned Unai Emery's trust, broken into Thomas Tuchel's England squad, and drawn admiration from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Now, Arsenal are ready to make their move.
Sky Sports News understands Arsenal have identified the Aston Villa forward as their number one forward target this summer, with a formal approach to Villa now expected. The Gunners are seeking added firepower as they look to defend their Premier League title and push deeper into Europe.
Why Rogers is the man Arsenal want
The primary reason Arsenal are pursuing Rogers is a glaring gap on their left wing. Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli's future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain. Eberechi Eze, the £67.5m summer recruit from Crystal Palace, has filled in there at times — but 24 of his 33 appearances for the club have come in the No 10 role.
With Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Max Dowman covering the right flank, Mikel Arteta needs a genuine left-sided threat to maintain the attacking balance that delivered the title. Last season, only 33 per cent of Arsenal's attacks came down the left, compared to 43 per cent down Saka's side. Rogers, in contrast, helped Villa favour the left by 37 per cent to 35 per cent on the right.
How Rogers would be deployed
Rogers made 21 of his 37 Premier League appearances for Villa last season in a central role, but Arsenal plan to use him as a left-winger. He is no stranger to that position — starting 15 games on the left flank, he contributed five goals and three assists, matching his goal involvements from 21 central outings.
His most effective moments come when he drifts inward onto his favoured right foot or drives along the byline to create for teammates. When deployed on the left for Villa, Rogers registered noticeable increases in goals, chances created, assists, and shots per game. Arteta would likely give him a more defined remit on that flank, but the output suggests Rogers can thrive within such a structure.
The 23-year-old joined Villa for £16m from Middlesbrough in January 2024 and established himself as one of the division's standout performers, missing only two starts across the last two seasons.
Competition and other options
Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich have all been credited with interest in Rogers. But it is the Premier League champions who have moved to the front of the queue.
Aston Villa, however, are in a strong position. Rogers signed a contract extension in November 2025 keeping him at the club until 2031, and Villa have no desire to sell. The club finished fourth last season to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and also lifted the UEFA Europa League.
Should a deal for Rogers prove unattainable, Arsenal have explored alternatives. They have already agreed a £34m deal for Club Brugge left-winger Tzolis — a record for the Belgian Pro League — who would serve as a replacement for Trossard. Arsenal also retain interest in Julian Alvarez, though a move appears complicated by his family's preference to remain in Spain and his personal desire to join Barcelona.
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain is another name on Arsenal's radar, as it is on Liverpool's. PSG have signalled no intention to sell Barcola, though his situation bears watching as the window progresses. PSG themselves are pursuing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and also have interest in both Alvarez and Rogers.
Rogers and Alvarez, given the fees already being paid for midfielders such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, are each expected to command valuations in excess of £100m. Yet despite the length of the list, the hierarchy at Arsenal is clear — Rogers is the priority, and everything else follows from whether Aston Villa are willing to negotiate.
