According to talkSPORT, Mikel Arteta is keen to lure Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers away from the club. “Preliminary talks with his advisers” are said to have already taken place.
Arsenal, who have just won the Premienr League, are also ready for the Champions League final against reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
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Arsenal will compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG for Rogers’ signature. Aston Villa are expected to demand over £80 million for the 23-year-old player.
A new number 10 could mean the end for Ødegaard
A new number 10 on his way to Arsenal could spell the end for Ødegaard, whose season was severely disrupted by a number of injuries.
Arsenal’s high transfer spending in recent seasons under Arteta means that a high-profile star will likely need to be sold this summer in order for the club to stay within the financial framework.
How Morgan Rogers and Martin Ødegaard compare
The future of winger Gabriel Martinelli is also uncertain, but Rogers would not be a direct replacement for Martinelli. That makes Ødegaard the most obvious selling target.
Helped by the fact that he has started all but one game for Aston Villa this season, Rogers contributed significantly more goals than Ødegaard in the 2025/26 season.
| Statistics | Martin Ødegaard | Morgan Rogers |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1.370 | 3.285 |
| Objectives | 1 | 10 |
| Assists | 6 | 6 |
| Created chances | 39 | 47 |
| Successful Passes | 84,7 % | 74,6 % |
Source: Premier League statistics for 2025/26
“Arsenal need more goals”
Despite Arsenal winning the league, there has been an objection that the Gunners did not score enough goals from open play in the final stages of the season. While Ødegaard brings calm to midfield, Rogers will be seen as an upgraded attacking threat.
Rogers’ arrival will also be seen as Arteta building for the future. The 27-year-old Ødegaard has been in North London for five years and may have already reached the peak of his career.
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Arsenal could have problems selling Ødegaard
Arteta may have to reconsider his transfer plans. Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has told Football Insider that Arsenal could have problems selling Ødegaard.
There could be a lack of options in the market, as other clubs may not be willing to spend up to £80 million to sign the Norwegian.
The Gunners signed Ødegaard for £30 million. That means they could make a significant profit if they sell him for as much as £80 million.
Any signing of Rogers could be dependent on one or two players leaving the Emirates Stadium first. But Arsenal are in no hurry – the midfielder will soon go to America to play in the World Cup for England and Martin Ødegaard will cross the pond, but for Norway.
