Arsenal are reportedly counting on Declan Rice and fellow England internationals to help lure Morgan Rogers to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Mikel Arteta's outfit are strong admirers of the Aston Villa playmaker and have made securing the 23-year-old a key objective.
England Teammates as Recruiters
The Daily Mail reports that the Gunners are calling upon their Three Lions contingent to persuade their international colleague to join the Premier League champions. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are understood to be willing to table a deal in the region of £85 million, with Villa mindful of UEFA's financial restrictions. However, Unai Emery's side have made it abundantly clear that Rogers remains integral to their plans ahead of their Champions League return.
Financial Complications
Villa are also said to be acutely aware of the spiralling cost of midfielders in the current market and must also take into account a 20 per cent sell-on fee agreed with Middlesbrough as part of his original transfer to Villa Park. Rice has reportedly been working his magic on international duty at the World Cup, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke also present in the England camp.
Arsenal's Summer Ambitions
Arteta is reportedly pursuing four or five elite additions this summer as the Gunners aim to improve on last season's performance and secure the Champions League trophy. Rogers tops Arsenal's transfer priorities, while Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez remains firmly in the Gunners' sights. Arsenal have also been presented with the opportunity to sign Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, while Alex Scott has emerged as another potential target for the north London outfit.
Outgoings to Fund Incomings
The Gunners will need to move players on to fund their transfer activity, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all linked with exits from the club. There are also uncertainties surrounding Ethan Nwaneri's future at the club, while Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie are also reportedly drawing attention.
