UMVA has learned that Aston Villa is preparing for a summer of intense interest in their star player, Morgan Rogers, with top clubs circling for his signature.
The England international has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals for Villa last season, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. With Villa's return to the Champions League next season, the club is keen to retain its best players and build on the momentum generated under Unai Emery.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Villa's owners are digging in their heels and demanding a hefty transfer fee for Rogers, with any offer below 'well above £100m' likely to be rejected. This stance is driven by the club's valuation of Rogers as a top-tier talent, comparable to recent transfer deals for midfielders like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
The Aston Villa owners see Rogers in the same bracket as Jack Grealish, who was sold to Manchester City for over £100m in 2021, and are seeking a similar fee for their prized asset. With Rogers tied to a new contract until 2031, Villa are under little pressure to sell, but financial regulations may eventually force their hand.
Rogers' teammate Ollie Watkins has lavished praise on his abilities, saying: 'Morgan can go to the very top. You've seen what he can do in a short space of time in 18 months, how he's developed and started to perform at the top, top level which has got him all the recognition he deserves.' Watkins believes Rogers has the intelligence, hard work ethic, and confidence to excel at the highest level.
In a related development, Villa is reported to be interested in Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, although a move remains unlikely due to the wage demands of the player. Unai Emery, who previously worked with Martinelli during his time at Arsenal, is understood to be a fan of the wide man.
