Morgan Rogers starred for Aston Villa as they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, attracting the attention of Arsenal who are set for a busy summer transfer window
Morgan Rogers has emerged as a target for Arsenal following a stunning season with Aston Villa. The midfielder fired in 14 goals and registered 15 assists in all competitions, including scoring a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League.
His peformances for Villa earned him a place in the England squad, making his debut in the defeat to Greece last November, as well as a nomination for the Premier League's Young Player of the Year award.
His displays in the Midlands have caught the eye of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. After a third successive runners-up finish in the Premier League, Arteta is desperate to finally take his side over the line and win their first title since 2004.
A striker has long been assumed to be the top target, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko both heavily linked with a move to the Emirates. Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also closing in on joining the Gunners.
Despite the Spaniard arriving in a £51million deal, it appears Arteta is keen to further boost his midfield options. Jorginho has already departed on a free transfer, while negotiations with Thomas Partey over a new deal are ongoing.
Even while those talks continue, Arteta is bidding to strengthen in that area of the pitch. According to The Times, Rogers has been added to a shortlist of four players Arsenal will look to target.
Arteta is keen to bring in a left winger, a forward, a centre-back and a midfielder in addition to Zubimendi this summer. Rogers' versatility makes him an attractive player to the Gunners boss.
The 22-year-old has featured in attacking midfield, at striker and out wide for Villa. But it would take a bumper offer to prise him away from Villa, with his contract having another five years to run.
Feyenoord’s Igor Paixão is also on the list and would be a cheaper alternative to Rogers. Bayern Munich ’s Leroy Sané and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams complete Arteta's shortlist.
The Gunners are said to have held talks with the representatives of Williams and Sané. The latter is out of contract at Bayern Munich though would likely demand an expensive wage package.
Williams meanwhile has a £42million release clause, but is expected to demand a salary of more than £250,000 a week. Rogers has previously made it clear he is happy with life at Villa, having won the club's Young Player of the Year award.
“Never a moment’s rest,” he said in March as he hailed boss Unai Emery. “When you probably least expect it is where he'll catch you out, telling you about yourself. For me personally, I wouldn't change it.
"It's what you need sometimes, when you've had a few good games, sometimes you might not be as at it, that 1 per cent. He will make sure that 1 per cent is nipped in the bud straight away. He always drags the best out of you."