Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an approach for Aston Villa’s 23-year-old midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has been identified as their primary attacking target this summer. Despite this, Aston Villa has indicated they do not wish to sell the player. Any potential deal for Rogers could exceed £100m, influenced by other recent midfield transfers in the current window.
No direct club-to-club discussions have taken place between Arsenal and Aston Villa regarding Rogers. However, interest in the player is anticipated to grow following England’s World Cup exit and the agreement of a £34m deal for Christos Tzolis. Rogers signed a new contract with Aston Villa in November, extending until 2031, which places his current club in a strong negotiating position.
Rogers featured in 55 appearances for Aston Villa last season, contributing 14 goals and 11 assists. He joined the club from Middlesbrough in 2024 in a deal valued at £16m. He has also earned 21 caps for England, including five appearances during the 2026 World Cup, where he assisted Anthony Gordon’s goal during England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina.
While Rogers has primarily been known as an attacking midfielder, he played approximately 45 per cent of his Premier League minutes last season as a left winger. His versatility has also seen him deployed as a false nine, centre-forward, and right winger in previous roles. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested in the forward.
Other transfer market activities
In other transfer news, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, 34, is reportedly set to continue his career in Turkey, with a move to Besiktas. Manchester United are also said to be considering Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams, 25, who can play on either flank. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, 24, who is reportedly open to a move to the Bernabeu.
Tottenham have reportedly rejected a £46m bid from Newcastle United for 20-year-old midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Meanwhile, Chelsea may need to spend £55m to secure Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, this summer. Ilaix Moriba, 23, a midfielder from Celta Vigo, has reportedly been offered to several clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Hull, with a potential availability for around 20m euros (£17m).
Bayern Munich has granted 31-year-old midfielder Joao Palhinha additional time before he must return to the club, as he is reportedly no longer part of Vincent Kompany’s plans. Aston Villa is said to be interested in Palhinha. Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with the 24-year-old potentially available following West Ham’s relegation.
Tottenham’s recent summer signings may lead to the departure of some players, with 28-year-old defender Cristian Romero potentially among them. Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in 22-year-old midfielder Hugo Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt, though neither club has made an offer. Juventus have reportedly offered 6.5m euros (£5.5m) for 33-year-old goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Aston Villa is seeking 12m euros (£10.2m).
Juventus are reportedly leading the pursuit for 25-year-old forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco, with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland also showing interest. Arsenal also remain interested in Julian Alvarez, although a deal appears challenging given his family’s reported preference to stay in Spain and his desire to join Barcelona. Additionally, Arsenal continues to monitor PSG’s forward Bradley Barcola, alongside Liverpool, though PSG has expressed reluctance to sell him.
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Source: bbc.com
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”