UMVA has learned that Arsenal is preparing to make a bold move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with Mikel Arteta driving the interest in the 23-year-old midfielder.
The Gunners are keen to strengthen their side that won the Premier League title last season, but they face stiff competition from European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, who are also eyeing Rogers.
Villa will be determined to hold onto one of their prized assets ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, making it a challenging task for Arsenal to secure Rogers' signature.
If the move for Rogers falls through, Arsenal has a viable alternative in Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who had a magnificent season with 18 goals and seven assists.
Gibbs-White was chased by Tottenham last summer with a £60million move appearing to be on the brink, but Forest stood firm, threatening Spurs with legal action, and he eventually signed a new contract at the City Ground.
Forest are unlikely to entertain offers for the 26-year-old, particularly with the club already facing a fight to keep hold of Elliot Anderson, who is wanted by several top clubs.
Rogers would appear to be Arsenal's first choice to strengthen in attacking midfield areas, also offering an option on the left, and Arteta has reportedly personally sanctioned a move for the England international.
However, former Villa star Emile Heskey has warned that Rogers could find himself down the pecking order in the capital, saying, 'You have to look at who is ahead of you in both teams. He's top of the pile at Villa, he is the main man.'
Heskey's comments raise questions about whether Rogers would be willing to take a step back in the pecking order at Arsenal, or if he would prefer to remain as a key player at Villa.
The interest in Rogers and Gibbs-White highlights the intense competition in the transfer market, with top clubs battling for the best talent and managers like Arteta seeking to strengthen their squads.
