Arsenal are keen to pursue Aston Villa sensation Morgan Rodgers and his total transfer fee could be much cheaper than originally thought.
Why Morgan Rodgers would be Arsenal’s dream signing
Rodgers has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players, so it’s no wonder Arsenal are ready to test Villa’s resolve.
Rodgers looks like a player worth signing if Mikel Arteta wants to build a team that can stay at the top for years to come.
At just 23 years old, the England international already has a lot in his locker. He can play on either wing, as a number 10 or in a deeper attacking role, giving him tactical flexibility that Arteta appreciates.
The ability to fill multiple positions without significantly reducing performance is becoming increasingly important for clubs competing in multiple competitions.
Rodgers also appears to be made to suit Arsenal’s style.
He is used to holding the ball in tight spaces and carries the ball confidently into midfield, developing into a real goal threat with 31 goals and 29 assists in 125 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.
His decision-making has improved significantly over the past two seasons, but perhaps the biggest draw is that Rodgers still appears to have a new level to reach.
Manager Fabrizio Romano has admitted that Arsenal are ready to accelerate the signing of Rodgers after signing Christos Tzoris, and has now made the former Middlesbrough star his top target.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
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reliability | Sacha Tavolieri has built a reputation for breaking transfer stories in Belgian and European football. His reporting is regularly cited by major media outlets, but some exclusive stories take time to materialize. He is generally regarded as a reliable journalist, particularly when it comes to covering cross-border transfer negotiations involving top clubs. |
finances | Although the £85m transfer fee is significantly lower than the previously reported asking price of £130m, it would still rank as the highest transfer fee in Arsenal’s history. Aston Villa’s long-term deal with Rodgers strengthens their bargaining position, while Arsenal must balance large spending and SCR despite healthy revenues. |
insight | Rodgers came through the academies of West Brom and Man City before establishing himself at Middlesbrough. Since joining Aston Villa, he has developed into a regular for England thanks to his direct running, creativity and improved finishing ability. His versatility makes him one of England’s most complete young attacking players. |
impact | Rodgers will add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack by providing pace, physicality and versatility. His ability to play multiple attacking roles will give Arteta far more options in tough situations, but given his age, Arsenal could potentially sign a player who can lead from the front for many years. |
Of course, there is one obvious concern.
Spending close to nine figures on any player, regardless of talent, puts a lot of pressure. Rodgers arrived with high expectations and would soon be on the other side of some of the league’s biggest moves.
That said, Sky Swiss journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that he could be signed for a much lower fee.
Aston Villa star agrees terms, Arsenal give Morgan Rodgers £45m discount
He suggests Arsenal’s pursuit has taken another big step.
The reporter claims that Rodgers has already agreed personal terms in his contract until 2031, and that each club will need to negotiate a transfer fee.
The same report claims Arsenal are expected to sign him for around £85m.
This figure is a significant discount to the previously reported £130m valuation Aston Villa want to sign their star attacker – £45m less to be exact.
Villa remain in a strong position thanks to Rodgers’ long-term contract, but other reports within England continue to peg the England international’s value at more than £100m.
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can bridge the gap, but if negotiations between the two clubs accelerate in the coming days, the reported agreement on personal terms could remove one major hurdle.
Tavolieri also claimed that Rodgers had informed Villa of his desire to move to Arsenal, which will no doubt be in the spotlight in the coming weeks.
