Fresh off their first Premier League title win in 22 years, Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta will be active in the upcoming summer window.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rodgers targeted by Arsenal (Image: Dan Mullan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Arsenal believe they can secure pole position if they sign Morgan Rodgers this summer.
Mirror Sport revealed on Sunday that manager Mikel Arteta wants to make Aston Villa forward Rodgers a key part of his summer transfer plans.
However, Arsenal face significant competition from the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with Rodgers likely to be the hottest property on the market.
Aston Villa are determined to keep him and will not want to sell him, especially after qualifying for next season’s Champions League. But Arsenal believe they are in a good position if a deal goes through and would be the most attractive option for the England star.
Gunners manager Arteta is a big fan of Rodgers, who could play not only as a number 10 but also as a left-sided player, which Arsenal are keen to strengthen this summer.
Arteta likes players who can play in multiple positions, and he would also be attractive to Arsenal, who are expected to spend upwards of £80m on a top international star.
Rodgers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024, so there is a for-sale clause in his contract and if Villa were to sell, his price could rise as they want to maximize their profits.
Rodgers has been a big hit at Villa, has become a regular in the England squad and is currently pushing Jude Bellingham over who will start for Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup.
Rodgers is poised for a great summer with England at the World Cup
England’s first game is against Croatia on June 17th, and bookmakers are even offering odds on whether it will be Rodgers or Bellingham. Tuchel is a big fan of Rodgers. His quality, game intelligence and physicality all make him a top player in demand this summer.
Arteta has also urged the club to move quickly to take a step forward in the transfer market, a message relayed to the leadership immediately after defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, a message clearly intended to pave the way for a big summer signing.
But that’s because, while Arsenal know they will face competition for Rodgers, Villa, despite not wanting to sell, believe they can lead the chase on the back of an impressive season that saw them win their first title in 22 years.
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