Morgan Rogers is open to a move to Arsenal this summer, according to reports.
With the season over following Saturday’s crushing Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal’s focus now switches to bolstering the squad during the summer transfer window.
The Premier League champions plan to make at least four signings this summer to ensure they remain one step ahead of the chasing pack next season with Rogers emerging as a top target.
Reports last week claimed Mikel Arteta has sanctioned a move for the England international having already held preliminary talks with the player’s representatives.
The countdown is on
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we’ve got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
Arteta is reportedly ‘leading the drive’ to try to get Rogers to the Emirates ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and would see his arrival as a ‘statement of intent’ after Arsenal’s title win.
Rogers, 23, is coming off the back of another fine season at Aston Villa, helping the club secure Europa League success.
With Arsenal’s interest building, BBC Sport report he is open to a move to the Emirates.
Manchester United are also monitoring Rogers’ situation. The attacking midfielder previously played under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough and could be viewed as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes.
United’s priority this summer however is rebuilding in central midfield. The club are looking to make up to three signings in that position with a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson almost done with Mateus Fernandes of West Ham possibly next.
The Portuguese star shone last season despite the Hammers’ relegation and has also emerged as a target for Arsenal.
Central midfield is another area the Gunners are looking to strengthen but Myles Lewis-Skelly’s impressive end to the season could change those plans.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are also hoping to sign a new right-back and another striker. Both Jurrien Timber and Ben White have had their share of injury problems over the last year while Arteta wants further competition up front for Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.
Julian Alvarez is a top target in north London but face competition from Barcelona and PSG. Junior Kroupi is another option after his superb debut campaign in the Premier League but reports suggest the Cherries could demand up to £80m.