Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers his personal project for the summer, with the Gunners having already conducted extensive groundwork on a potential high-profile move for the England international.
The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout performers during the 2025/26 season, contributing an impressive 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. His form has not gone unnoticed, positioning him as a potential starter for England at this summer’s World Cup and attracting interest from several elite clubs.
According to multiple reports, Arsenal are at the forefront of the race. Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas revealed that Aston Villa’s qualification for the Champions League has done little to ease the situation surrounding Rogers. Interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea remains strong, while Paris Saint-Germain also linger in the background. Thomas noted that Villa could still benefit from an £80m+ windfall that would help them navigate PSR constraints and reinvest in their squad.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Arsenal have already initiated talks with Aston Villa over a potential transfer, with head coach Mikel Arteta personally leading the club’s efforts. The north London side, fresh off securing their first Premier League title in 22 years and chasing a domestic and European double this weekend, are expected to be active in the summer window despite the need to balance the books.
Berta’s admiration and the ‘major’ sticking point
A detailed report from Football Transfers has shed new light on Arsenal’s plans, claiming the club has conducted “substantial work” towards securing Rogers’ signature. Andrea Berta, who has long been a huge admirer of the versatile attacker, is driving the deal forward.
“Sporting director Andrea Berta was a huge admirer of Rogers at that point, and the Italian’s respect for the Aston Villa star remains undiminished,” the report states. “Indeed, he has made the England international his personal project for the summer and has already conducted substantial work towards driving a deal through.”
However, a significant hurdle remains: the transfer fee. Aston Villa are understood to value Rogers at around €115 million (£100m). Arsenal’s valuation is believed to be “significantly less,” creating a major gap that both clubs will need to bridge if a deal is to materialise.
Rogers’ ability to operate across the attacking midfield and forward positions makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system. With room for improvement in Arsenal’s attacking options, the signing of such a dynamic, young talent could provide the squad with fresh creativity and goal threat as they aim to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Villa’s dilemma
Despite their strong season and Champions League football secured, Aston Villa face financial pressures that may force them to consider big sales. Rogers, having established himself as a key player, represents a valuable asset — but holding onto him amid intense interest from Europe’s biggest clubs will be a considerable challenge.
Every top club in Europe would welcome a player of Rogers’ calibre, but Arsenal currently appear best positioned, thanks to Berta’s proactive groundwork and Arteta’s personal investment in the pursuit.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on north London. A successful move for Morgan Rogers could significantly strengthen Arsenal’s squad and send a powerful message across the Premier League.