By Stephen Simon
Arsenal have reportedly reached an “agreement in principle” with Morgan Rogers as they prepare to open formal negotiations with Aston Villa over a potential summer transfer.
The Gunners are looking to build on an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which manager Mikel Arteta guided the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years, alongside a run to the Champions League final where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal’s strong season has boosted their financial position ahead of what is expected to be a busy transfer window, with reinforcements targeted in attacking areas.
Some departures are also being considered, with Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard all linked with possible moves away from the club.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said Arsenal have identified Rogers as their “number one target” for the summer window, adding that discussions with the player’s camp are progressing positively.
Romano noted that while talks with the player are advanced, negotiations with Aston Villa are still at an early stage and no agreement has been reached regarding valuation or payment structure.
He added that Arsenal are prepared to make a significant financial investment, while the player is understood to be attracted by the club’s project following their domestic and European progress last season.
According to Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, Rogers has now reached an “agreement in principle” with Arsenal over a potential switch, although club-to-club negotiations are yet to be finalised.
Rogers, who registered 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Aston Villa last season, is viewed as a key attacking target for Arteta as he looks to strengthen his squad depth.
However, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has urged caution over the potential deal, suggesting that Rogers’ ability may not be significantly different from that of captain Martin Ødegaard when both are at their best.
“You have to be careful with that one,” Merson said. “If Ødegaard plays to his best ability, and Morgan Rogers does, there can’t be that much between them, surely.”
He added that Ødegaard remains a “top, top player” and still has much to offer despite recent dips in form.
Arsenal are expected to continue talks with Aston Villa in the coming weeks as they look to turn their interest in Rogers into a formal transfer bid.
