Arsenal are pursuing Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, who has been in outstanding form this season and also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Arteta is eager to accelerate his summer recruitment following the club's achievements this campaign, with Rogers high on his wishlist.
The Mirror reports that Arsenal's manager delivered a pointed message to club decision-makers after their Champions League final loss to PSG. Arteta insisted the club must make 'important decisions' demonstrating 'ambition' to elevate the team to 'another level' after securing their first Premier League title in 22 years. His comments were deliberate, as Arteta pushes for significant reinforcements, with England international Rogers featuring prominently on their radar.
Rogers' Rising Stock
Rogers has also caught the eye of clubs including PSG following another standout campaign under Unai Emery. Speculation suggests Villa may be willing to sell to comply with UEFA's financial controls. Whether Villa will part with the player remains uncertain, but Rogers has captured Arsenal's attention due to his versatility in operating as a No.10 or on the left flank—positions Arteta is keen to bolster.
Arteta favors multi-functional players and is seeking additional attacking firepower and quality ahead of a potential summer overhaul. The key difference this time is that Arsenal spent £250 million last summer in a massive spree that brought in Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Christian Norgaard, while they will finalize a permanent transfer for Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal's Summer Plans
This summer, the club is determined to strengthen their squad with quality additions, though they will need to offload players to accommodate new arrivals. Gabriel Martinelli is among those who could potentially depart. Gabriel Jesus has also attracted interest, although the Brazilian striker is not rushing to leave with 12 months remaining on his contract.
Arsenal's summer recruitment will prioritize attacking reinforcements once more, but securing another number nine would require an existing player's exit first. Arteta's comments immediately following the final were revealing, clearly indicating his desire to enhance the squad's quality. This could also suggest that, having finally claimed the title and crossed that crucial line, he is contemplating a tactical evolution as the club pursues further silverware.
European Final Woes
Arsenal have now suffered five consecutive European final defeats stretching back to 1995, including the 2006 Champions League final, the 2019 Europa League final, and the recent loss to PSG in Budapest. While Arsenal remain a heavyweight in European football, their continental trophy cabinet is modest—just two honors with the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup and 1970 Fairs Cup—particularly when compared to their impressive domestic achievements. Arteta is eager to address this imbalance and build upon what will be remembered as among the finest campaigns in the club's history.
By contrast, Villa have won both of the European finals in which they have featured, in 1982 and just a few weeks ago when they overcame SC Freiburg to win the Europa League in Istanbul. Rogers was one of three scorers that night, with Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia also finding the back of the net.
Should Villa cash in on Rogers? Have your say.
