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EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa brace for Arsenal attack on Rogers by stepping up Eze interest
Steve Kay
- Updated: 18 Jun 2025 17:16 BST
- 5 min read
Exclusive
Aston Villa are growing increasingly concerned that Arsenal are preparing a formal move for attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, and the Midlands club has now stepped-up efforts to secure Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace as a contingency plan.
FootballTransfers understands that Villa are aware of Arsenal’s escalating interest in Rogers, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining from Middlesbrough.
Sources indicate that Arsenal are seriously considering tabling a bid in the coming weeks, with new technical director Andrea Berta identifying Rogers as a long-term addition to their attacking options. There’s a sense within Villa Park that any concrete offer from the North London side - particularly one north of €58 million (£50m) - could force the club into a difficult decision, especially with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) looming large over Premier League clubs this summer.
Compared
Morgan Rogers
M (CR)
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers
M (CR)
Aston Villa
VS
Eberechi Eze
AM (C), M (CL)
C. Palace
Eberechi Eze
AM (C), M (CL)
C. Palace
|
|
ETV |
|
| €59.8M - €73.1M | ETV Range | €56.5M - €69M |
| 23 years old (01 Jan, 2002) | Age | 26 years old (29 Jun, 1998) |
|
England
|
Nationality |
England
|
Rogers has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Unai Emery’s side, playing a crucial role in linking midfield and attack, and showing immense maturity in high-pressure moments. Losing him after just half a season would represent a significant setback for the Villa project - and fans are understandably on edge.
While Villa remain hopeful of keeping the England international, the noise surrounding Arsenal’s intent, which will only increase given that Nico Williams turns his attentions to Barcelona, has triggered urgent planning behind the scenes. Club officials are well aware that if the Gunners do come forward with an official bid, they may struggle to resist, particularly if reinforcements are already lined up.
Aston Villa look to Eze
That brings us to Eberechi Eze. Villa have intensified their pursuit of the Crystal Palace playmaker in recent days, and those close to negotiations suggest talks could accelerate quickly should the Rogers situation develop further.
Eze, 26, ticks every box Emery would want in a creative midfielder. Technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and capable of playing both centrally and wide, he’s seen as a near-perfect stylistic replacement. His ability to glide past players, unlock defences, and contribute goals from midfield has made him one of the Premier League’s most admired talents.
Sources have confirmed that Villa see Eze as a priority target this summer, with a deal potentially achievable if Rogers was to depart the club.
While the prospect of losing the England star will sting - particularly given how quickly he’s become a fan favourite - Villa’s proactive stance in targeting a high-level replacement should offer some reassurance.
Eze wouldn’t arrive as a gamble or a stop-gap. He’d be coming in as a headline signing: someone with proven Premier League pedigree, flair in abundance, and the kind of creative quality that would appease fans.
Aston Villa are facing an unwanted test of their resolve this summer. Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers is real, and their financial power could yet force Villa’s hand. But in Eberechi Eze, the club have identified a replacement who could help soften the blow - and perhaps even elevate the side further.
Whether Villa can keep hold of their emerging star remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the club are determined not to be caught off guard.
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