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Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Morgan Rogers’ situation at Aston Villa amid suggestions they may be forced to cash in on key players this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old has attracted interest from a number of top clubs.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his options both in midfield and out wide, and while they are targeting specialists in both positions, Rogers’ versatility is seen as an asset.
Arsenal are planning to add more pace and directness into their side, and the England international has been earmarked among a number of targets who fit that bill.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal want to sign Eberechi Eze as Arteta wants to add more “X-factor” and attacking drive to his squad.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Villa are reluctant to entertain offers for Rogers despite their current PSR position.
Arsenal plot Morgan Rogers swoop amid Villa PSR concerns
Football Insider revealed on 2 May that Villa may have to sell big-name players in a mass overhaul as they attempt to comply with financial regulations.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Arsenal are now among the clubs watching Rogers’ situation in case he is allowed to leave Villa.
“I hear Aston Villa might have to sell some players,” he told Football Insider.
“Their financial situation means they might have to shift a few, so I have no doubt clubs like Arsenal are going to be keeping an eye on that.
“Morgan Rogers has done really well since he moved to Villa.
“He’s been impressive there and even got himself into the England squad.
“Arsenal want to sign a player who does what he does, with his energy and willingness to drive with the ball at his feet.
“They need that type of player in their team because, apart from Declan Rice, they really lack it.
“The only concern I have is I don’t see where he fits in this Arsenal team, because he won’t play in their midfield and he’s not an out-and-out winger.
“They’re not completely happy with Martinelli, so they want a winger, but I don’t think he would be their top target there, and he’s not better than Martin Odegaard.
“I think those are positions they want specialist players for, even though he can play both roles.
“On the plus side, having a player with that versatility is always a valuable asset.
“He’s certainly one they’ll be having a look at and they won’t be the only ones, because if a player like him becomes available it will interest all of the top clubs.
“But I just think there are a few question marks about what his role would be.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly contract update emerges at the Emirates
Alongside their attempts to bolster Arteta’s squad this summer, the Gunners are also aiming to retain their best players despite ongoing speculation.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 June that Myles Lewis-Skelly’s contract talks are going well and Arteta has made promises over his playing time and development.
The 18-year-old’s camp had been stirring up rumours of a move to Real Madrid in order to land him a better deal, but there is still confidence he will sign.
This comes after former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Arsenal will not let Lewis-Skelly leave and he will sign a new deal.
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