Arsenal step up Morgan Rogers transfer pursuit with Arteta chasing dream deal | Football | Sport

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly spearheading a move to land Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers this summer. The Gunners have just been crowned Premier League champions and could complete a historic double with victory in the Champions League final against PSG. However, it’s evident they’re not resting on their laurels as the summer transfer window approaches.

talkSPORT claim Arteta is the driving force behind Arsenal‘s pursuit of Rogers, who played a pivotal role in Villa’s recent Europa League triumph. It’s understood Villa have placed an £80million price tag on Rogers this summer, though interest from numerous clubs across England means a bidding war could push that figure towards the £100m mark.

Unai Emery’s side regard Rogers as a cornerstone of their plans going forward, yet recent reports suggest he could depart the club this summer.

He is reportedly hopeful that Aston Villa will sanction his exit this summer and, according to The Sun, Rogers’ six-year contract penned in November has done little to ward off potential suitors.

Speculation has only grown regarding his ambition to challenge for major trophies at the elite level, and he’s expected to feature prominently at the World Cup this summer.

The report indicates Villa’s leadership have an ‘understanding’ that the summer transfer window might provide the perfect moment for the former Manchester City academy product to depart.

Nevertheless, Emery has made abundantly clear just how highly he rates Rogers. Back in December, he said: “He’s a fantastic guy.

“He loves football – his commitment with the club is fantastic, his attitude every day. He’s a leader in the dressing room because he’s always positive, he has energy, and then he has skills, of course.

“His versatility is very important and to be positive playing 10 numbers inside, 10 numbers outside, even like a winger, is very, very important for us.

“Through the mentality he’s showing, he can get his best and adding numbers now – goals, assists.”