Aston Villa are currently eyeing a replacement for the ‘incredible’ Morgan Rodgers, but they may have to break transfer records to seal a deal.
Villa prepare for Europa League final
Villa will be looking to end their 30-year wait for a major trophy when they face SC Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul tonight, but defeating the German side would mean an end to their stellar season.
Unai Emery’s side have already secured a top-five finish and a return to the Champions League, and Rodgers once again played a starring role as they crossed the line with a 4-2 win over Liverpool.
The attacking midfielder scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season, also setting up Ollie Watkins’ opener, and Emery will be hoping for a similar performance in tonight’s crucial game.
The 23-year-old has put himself in the shop window with his performances, attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, which could make it difficult for the Villans to keep him beyond the end of the season.
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According to a report from Football Insider, Bayern Munich are also interested in signing Rodgers, meaning Aston Villa could be forced to call in a substitute this summer and are currently planning on signing Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves.
However, the Europa League finalist may have to break previous transfer records to seal the deal, as the Portugal international has an £80m release clause in his contract.
Sporting are open to bids, but Liverpool are also interested and could be in contention for Goncalves, given his impressive performances over several years at the Portuguese club.
The 27-year-old won the Liga Golden Boot with 23 goals in the 2020/21 season and has been an integral part of the squad ever since, scoring 97 goals and providing 66 assists in 238 appearances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the left-winger, praising him as “incredible” after Sporting eliminated Arsenal in the round of 16 of the 2022-23 Europa League.
Like Rodgers, the former Wolverhampton Wanderer is capable of playing in a more central role, scout Ben Mattinson said. “Last season, it was Amorim’s virtuoso to move Gonçalves into the center, sometimes playing him as a No. 8. He is the main creative force, also provides goals, and showed that he is also good at winning duels. He is undoubtedly their most important player.”
Goncalves could therefore be the ideal candidate to replace Rodgers, but Villa are in a better position in negotiations, with the Englishman still under contract until 2031.
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