Arsenal handed big boost in signing £80m star, now "open to leaving" his club
Arsenal have been handed a big boost in signing Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers during the summer transfer window, according to The Sun.
The Gunners are likely to reinforce their attacking department at the end of the campaign, and the top priority could be an upgrade on the left wing.
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have made valuable goal contributions this term, but both have been inconsistent in terms of overall performances.
Hence, a marquee solution could be sought, and The Sun claim that the Gunners are long-standing admirers of Rogers, who would be ‘open to leaving’ Villa this summer.
Villa could face a significant financial strain if they miss out on Champions League qualification through a top-five Premier League finish during the ongoing season.
Even if they qualify, Rogers is anticipated to pursue a new challenge and believes the club’s hierarchy would be prepared to let him go for the right price.
He has a good relationship with manager Unai Emery and those higher up.
A deal could cost around £80 million and may even exceed the £100m fee paid by Manchester City to purchase Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021.
Rogers would be an outstanding signing for Arsenal
The 23-year-old has operated from the number 10 and left wing positions for the Villans this season. He has managed 17 goal contributions from 44 appearances.
Trossard and Martinelli have had similar goal involvements for Mikel Arteta’s side, but the latter’s impact has been largely outside of the Premier League this term.
Trossard started the season in blistering fashion after his improved contract, but the Belgian’s form has drastically dipped during the second half of the campaign.
He has not scored in 18 matches across all competitions. The 31-year-old will enter the last year of his contract this summer and looks poised to head for the exit door.
Martinelli’s current deal expires next year, but the club have an option for another 12 months. Given that he is only 24, Arsenal could be willing to extend his stay further.
Rogers would be an upgrade on the Brazilian and Trossard on the left wing. He is better at winning duels (4.2 per game) and has also excelled with more recoveries than the pair (3.7 per game).
The England international has created 10 big chances in the league alone. Trossard and Martinelli have managed seven combined. His knack for shooting from outside the box is another big plus.
The Englishman has scored three times from such occasions and would provide a different outlook to the Gunners’ attack. If he is available this summer, it appears a no-brainer decision for Arsenal to recruit him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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