Arsenal are advancing their pursuit of Morgan Rogers, the Aston Villa winger valued at around £100 million, amid competition from Manchester United and Chelsea. The Premier League champions are confident of agreeing personal terms with the England international and believe he could fit well into Mikel Arteta’s system, capable of playing both on the left flank and centrally.
Though Arsenal have not yet formally approached Villa, the club’s £100 million valuation reflects factors such as Nottingham Forest’s £120 million asking price for midfielder Elliot Anderson and Villa’s obligation to pay Middlesbrough 20 percent of any profit from Rogers’ sale. Rogers, who joined Villa in 2024 for up to £15 million, contributed 14 goals and 12 assists last season, and his market worth could rise further if he performs strongly at the World Cup, having recently appeared in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Villa’s financial position remains under scrutiny, with significant losses recorded in recent years – £120.3 million in 2022-23 and £85.9 million in 2023-24 – before a modest £17 million profit in 2024-25, helped in part by the sale of the women’s team and the Warehouse entertainment venue near Villa Park. A UEFA report excluded these sales and estimated the club’s losses at £85 million. It remains unclear whether Villa are under immediate pressure to sell.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta previously considered signing Rogers last summer but ultimately chose to strengthen the squad with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze instead, for initial fees of £48.5 million and £60 million respectively. This summer, Arsenal may look to add one or two left wingers, anticipating potential departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. The club is reportedly pursuing Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, Christos Tzolis of Club Bruges, and Ander Barrenetxea of Real Sociedad, although Sociedad remain firm on Barrenetxea’s £65 million release clause.
In addition to wing reinforcements, Arsenal are engaged in talks with Leicester City over 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, aiming to secure the transfer for below Leicester’s estimated £15 million valuation. The club is also targeting a full back, a midfielder, and potentially a forward, contingent on possible squad departures. Ben White’s future is uncertain due to injury concerns, despite interest from Everton and Crystal Palace.
Arsenal have also shown interest in 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, who impressed for Morocco in their 1-1 draw with Brazil. Lille have valued Bouaddi at £60 million, with Arsenal facing competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Arteta has expressed interest in Julián Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, who has publicly stated a desire to leave amid reported ambitions to join Barcelona. Atletico are resistant to selling Alvarez to the Catalan club and may consider a swap deal involving Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres. The situation remains fluid as Arsenal continue to explore multiple options to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season.