Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds his fans (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rodgers this summer.
TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in signing the 23-year-old playmaker, but Arsenal are confident of beating both clubs to sign him.
They have already accelerated their pursuit of Aston Villa’s star, with confidence growing in north London that they can get a deal over the line. Rodgers is a special asset to Aston Villa, helping them win the UEFA Europa League last season. He was a key player in helping them qualify for the Champions League. The midfielder has scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions.
Apparently Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been in personal contact with the player and Rodgers has been impressed with his pitching.
It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa are prepared to allow him to leave. Rodgers is unlikely to be acquired cheaply and would cost more than £100m to sign. Arsenal certainly have the financial power to make a deal happen. They won the Premier League title last season and are looking to assemble a squad that will help them dominate English football in the coming seasons.
They need a player who can add creativity to the team and score goals from the middle of the park. Rodgers can play as both an attacking midfielder and a wide player. He could become a versatile attacking option for Arsenal next season. The opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country will be exciting for the young midfielder.
Chelsea, on the other hand, could use a player like Rodgers, especially if Enzo Fernandes leaves the club. The South American is a creative force for Chelsea and Chelsea need to replace his final product.
