Aston Villa determined to keep Morgan Rogers despite Arsenal's growing interest

Aston Villa intend to hold on to Morgan Rogers this summer despite mounting interest from Arsenal and several other Premier League clubs, with the club insisting it would take a record-breaking offer to even prompt serious consideration of a sale.

Rogers capped his best season to date by scoring in Villa’s Europa League final victory, having also contributed 10 goals in 37 Premier League appearances as Unai Emery’s side secured fourth place. That form has placed him among the most coveted attacking midfielders in England, with Arsenal emerging as the most prominent suitor.

Arsenal’s interest in bolstering their attack has intensified following their Champions League final defeat, which exposed a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Co-chair Josh Kroenke reinforced the club’s intent last month, saying: “We are going to look to strengthen because we know that teams around us are going to get better. If you are not trying to continually evolve and improve, you are standing still.”

Despite Villa’s resolve, The Telegraph reports that a sufficiently large domestic offer could still force the club’s hand. Any deal would be complicated by a 20 per cent sell-on clause held by Middlesbrough, the club Rogers left in 2024 in a move worth an initial £8 million and up to £15 million with add-ons.

Emery, who claimed a fifth Europa League title as a manager this season, is preparing for his second Champions League campaign with Villa after the club reached the quarter-finals in 2025. Having overseen the departures of Jhon Duran, Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey in recent years, the Spaniard will be eager to protect his strongest assets as he looks to build on this season’s success.

Arsenal already have a strong English core, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke all part of Mikel Arteta’s squad. Rogers, who has also attracted England recognition, would add further depth and creativity to an attack the club is clearly looking to reinforce.