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Arsenal prepare £80m bid for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as Arteta rebuilds attack

With Aston Villa holding firm at a minimum £80 million valuation, Arsenal are preparing to test the club’s resolve over the 23-year-old forward, while also closing in on a deal for Leicester teenager Jeremy Monga.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: Yahoo Sports · original
Arsenal preparing to test Aston Villa with Morgan Rogers bid
Gunners view England international as primary summer target amid rising valuation

Arsenal are preparing to submit a formal bid for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, positioning the 23-year-old England international as manager Mikel Arteta’s primary attacking target for the upcoming summer transfer window. The move forms a central component of the Gunners’ strategic rebuild, with the club seeking to bolster its offensive capabilities ahead of a demanding Premier League schedule.

Aston Villa value Rogers at no less than £80 million, a figure that could rise to £100 million due to anticipated interest from rival clubs. The valuation reflects Rogers’ status as a key player under Unai Emery, with his reputation having grown significantly over the past 18 months. Having signed a long-term contract with Villa until 2031, the forward is secured for the peak years of his career, leaving the Birmingham club under no immediate pressure to sell despite the reported keen interest from the Emirates Stadium.

Since joining Villa from Middlesbrough in early 2024, Rogers has established himself as a prolific contributor, registering 31 goals and 29 assists in 125 appearances. His versatility, allowing him to operate effectively from the left or in a central attacking role, is understood to appeal strongly to Arteta. His inclusion in England’s World Cup squad has further heightened interest in his services during the 2026 window.

Concurrently, Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old Coventry-born academy graduate is viewed as a major long-term prospect, having already gained senior experience despite his age. This acquisition signals the club’s intent to secure high-potential talent alongside its pursuit of established stars.

Beyond Rogers and Monga, Arsenal are monitoring a broader list of targets. Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis remains admired with an estimated cost of £34 million, though he is not the first-choice option. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi are also on the radar. Additionally, a move for Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili is in its final stages, with the 17-year-old set to be offered a pre-contract.

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