Richard Keys warns Morgan Rogers to avoid Arsenal and cites Eze's bench role

Richard Keys has publicly advised Morgan Rogers against joining Arsenal this summer, arguing that the Aston Villa playmaker should look no further than Eberechi Eze’s experience at the Emirates before making any decision.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be the primary advocate for a move for the 23-year-old England international, who has impressed under Unai Emery at Villa Park. Rogers carries a reported asking price of around £80m, with his ability to play as a No.10 or on the left wing seen as particularly appealing to Arteta, who is looking to add versatility and firepower to his attack.

Keys, writing on social media, was direct in his assessment. “I know Villa can be ‘resolute’ as well but if I’m Morgan Rogers I’m not going anywhere near Arsenal,” he said. “He should ask Eze how he feels about his move. I guess if he did sign he could do that sitting next to him on the bench. Football is to be enjoyed not endured.”

The reference to Eze is pointed. The former Crystal Palace forward joined Arsenal last summer as part of a £250m spending spree that also brought in Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Christian Norgaard. Despite having been a standout performer at Selhurst Park, Eze found regular starts harder to come by at the Emirates, a pattern Keys believes Rogers should take as a warning.

Arteta, speaking after Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years, said the club needed to make “important decisions” to show “ambition” and take the squad to “another level.” Rogers is firmly in that conversation, though he is not Arsenal’s only admirer — PSG have also been credited with interest following another strong season under Emery.

Whether Aston Villa will sell remains unclear. There are suggestions the club may need to raise funds to satisfy financial regulations, which could force their hand. Rogers’ departure is far from certain, however, and Villa have shown a willingness to hold firm on valuations in previous windows.

Elsewhere in Arsenal’s summer plans, Gabriel Martinelli is among those who could leave as Arteta looks to reshape his squad, while Gabriel Jesus — with 12 months left on his contract — is not understood to be pushing for an exit. The club is also set to finalise a permanent deal for defender Piero Hincapie.