Aston Villa are planning for a future without Morgan Rogers, after Arsenal made the England international their hottest transfer target in the summer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already held talks with Rogers’ representatives. GIVEMESPORT’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs further reports that Mikel Arteta is preparing his first bid for the 23-year-old.
Read: Trying to explain Norway’s “Viking rowing”: This is how the World Cup trend that is taking off everywhere came about
Rogers is Arsenal’s absolute top priority this summer – but the London club faces competition from big clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United. – This will clearly drive up the price.
Villa signed Rogers in the January 2024 transfer window for £15 million from Middlesbrough. He signed a one-year contract extension at Villa Park last summer, but there has long been an underlying understanding that he could leave the club if the right offer came on the table.
Aston Villa demand huge sum – and want bidding war
GMS understands that Villa will require at least £80 million to even start negotiations. If a bidding war arises between the clubs, they will try to push the price all the way up to £100 million.
Rogers is in its prime and has the highest possible market capitalization. Villa are aware that a sale could give Unai Emery the opportunity to strengthen with more players while balancing their accounts. Even with Champions League football this season, Villa will have to raise money to navigate the final period of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules – while also satisfying UEFA’s Financial Fair Play requirements.
Bowen could replace Rogers – and Emery is a big admirer
One of the players Villa can spend the money on is Jarrod Bowen – who was relegated from the Premier League with West Ham on the final day of the season in 2025/26.
According to The Athletic’s Aston Villa reporter Jacob Tanswell, Bowen is on Villa’s wish list in the summer window, but the club have not yet started talks with West Ham.
Tanswell wrote on social media:
Bowen is likely to be one of the most sought-after players in West Ham’s squad after the relegation to the Championship. Everton – where former West Ham boss David Moyes previously described Bowen as a “special player” – are also said to be very interested in the 29-year-old.
Read on F7: Manchester United buys site at Old Trafford – paves the way for giant stadium with 100,000 seats
Bowen’s honest words after the relegation
After the relegation was confirmed, Bowen spoke to the supporters:
Bowen has a contract with West Ham until 2030, which gives the club great bargaining power – although the relegation obviously weakens their position. A price tag of between £40 million and £50 million could be enough to get him free. That means Villa could potentially be left with up to £50 million in profit after selling Rogers and bringing in Bowen as a replacement.
Read: Leeds open to sale of £40 million star after stall in negotiations
