UMVA has learned that Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is on the radar of Arsenal, with the Gunners reportedly willing to shell out a hefty sum to land the talented midfielder.
Rogers, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough two-and-a-half years ago for a relatively modest £8million, has caught the eye of Arsenal scouts with his impressive performances over the past 18 months. His current club and international teammate, Ollie Watkins, believes Rogers has the potential to reach the very top of the football pyramid.
Watkins, who came close to joining Arsenal last year, heaped praise on Rogers, saying: 'Morgan can go to the very top. You've seen what he can do in a short space of time, how he's developed and started to perform at the top level which has got him all the recognition he deserves.'
The Villa star's credentials are certainly impressive, with Watkins adding: 'I think he's got his head on his shoulders, he's an intelligent guy who is hardworking and has confidence in his own ability. He speaks for himself.'
Meanwhile, Watkins is biding his time on the bench, waiting for his moment to shine in the World Cup. The 30-year-old striker knows he's got a crucial role to play as a 'finisher' off the bench, and he's eager to replicate his heroics from two years ago when he scored a last-minute winner against the Netherlands.
Watkins may not have gotten a chance to play in the Group L opener against Croatia, but he's confident that his time will come. 'I feel like I understand the competition now, I understand that everyone has their moment, everyone has a part to play,' he said.
With England's campaign underway, Watkins is focused on making an impact when he does get his chance. 'I know what I can bring to the table. I watch the game when I'm on the bench, I can see the game opens up. It's a completely different game when you start a game of football than when you finish it.'
The striker's experience as a substitute has given him a unique perspective on the game, and he's hoping to make a decisive impact in the tournament. 'I've spoken about it so many times before, I said I was going to score that day and I did. It's the best feeling to come on and change the game and I'm hoping to do that again this tournament.'
