£100m demand: Arsenal's first target for Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers
Arsenal are targeting Aston Villa midfield star Morgan Rodgers as a top transfer target. Villa are seeking at least £100 million; The club remains in a strong position as the player is under contract until 2031.
Arsenal have identified Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rodgers as their No.1 target in this summer's transfer window. But sources at the club believe Villa are unlikely to agree anything less than £100m for the England international. Despite an offer from Arsenal in the region of around £80million, Villa's current strength of arms shows no sign of abating demand.
Rodgers signed a new contract last November until 2031. Despite the European economic pressure factors, it is understood that Villa does not need to sell at the lowest price. According to The Guardian, talks between Arsenal and Villa are likely to begin in the coming weeks. It is also expected that transfer deals on players during the World Cup may not move forward until the tournament is over or until the respective teams withdraw.
Last season, Rodgers recorded 12 goals and 14 assists in 55 appearances and was instrumental in Villa's Europa League title win. He was also instrumental in leading the team to fourth place in the Premier League. Rogers, who primarily leads the attack from midfield, can also play wide. But the right place for him in Arsenal's current squad is still an open question.
Martin Odegaard is still the main confidant of Mikel Arteta. However, speculation over Odegaard's future is rife as the club looks at ways to boost goals-and-creativity. Although the player still has two years left on his current deal, there are no reports that talks over a new contract have begun. At the same time, there are no signs from Arteta that Odegaard will be dropped soon.
Unai Emery is reportedly interested in wide players. There are also reports of Gabriel Martinelli being eyed. Although relations between the two clubs are not smooth at the moment, this interest is likely to lead to negotiations. On the other hand, there are reports that the idea of joining Arsenal is attractive to Rogers and he was the first to greet the Arsenal players early in the England team's camp.
Villa's stance is clear — Rodgers, who is under contract until 2031, looks unlikely to go below £100m at the moment.