Romano: Arsenal Make ‘Very Good’ Progress to Sign Morgan Rogers

Arsenal are looking to be creative in their negotiations with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers, as they continue to make progress on the prospective deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Rogers enjoyed an eye-catching 2025/26 campaign, scoring 14 and providing eleven assists in 55 appearances across all competitions for the Villans. This form has prompted interest from the Gunners and Chelsea, with the former currently understood to be the frontrunners in the race to land the England international.

Personal terms have reportedly been agreed between Arsenal and the attacking midfielder, although the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement over price.

Reports emerged this week suggesting that Villa are holding out for upwards of £130 million for Rogers, and these suggestions have now been verified by Romano.

Arsenal ‘keep pushing’ for Morgan Rogers

Villa are understandably reluctant to sanction the departure of one of their most prized possessions, and are seeking significant compensation in the case that he does depart this summer.

A £130 million price tag has been mooted, and Romano revealed on his YouTube channel on Friday morning that this valuation is accurate.

The transfer guru also reported that despite this potential stumbling block, Arsenal ‘keep pushing’ for Rogers and believe a creative approach to negotiations could pay dividends.

“For Arsenal, the number one option remains Morgan Rogers,” Romano said.

“For Morgan Rogers, the information in England from the Telegraph is correct, so Aston Villa want to put a price around £130 million to let Morgan Rogers leave this summer.

“Aston Villa are aware of Arsenal’s interest. Aston Villa are also aware of interest from other clubs, including Chelsea, but in this moment, Arsenal made very good progress on the player’s side for some time, and so Arsenal keep pushing for Morgan Rogers.

“Arsenal hope to find a way to negotiate, maybe with a clause, maybe with a different structure.

“Arsenal hope to be creative in order to find a solution for Morgan Rogers.”

Villa are seemingly staunch on their stance that potential suitors for Rogers will need to cough up a significant sum to secure the 23-year-old. Arsenal may feel a possible ‘creative solution’ is on the cards, which could involve a complex deal with several add-ons or a sell-on clause.

Arsenal could look at Morgan Rogers alternative at same price

It seems clear from the reporting that Arsenal are set on signing Rogers. However, at this hefty £130 million price tag, they ought to consider alternatives.

Rogers has been described as ‘absolutely ridiculous’ by football analyst Ben Mattinson, and while he does possess some mouth-watering traits, his actual production levels don’t resemble a £130 million player.

As shown by the data above, Rogers doesn’t excel in any of the offensive metrics that would warrant a fee this large. He doesn’t score or create goals at an elite rate.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal could turn to Bradley Barcola instead of Rogers, as Romano has mentioned, and this would certainly make more sense at the mooted prices.

Other options for the Gunners include the likes of Cristos Tzolis, Nico Williams and Julian Alvarez.