Arsenal prioritise Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in £130m transfer
Premier League champions Arsenal have made Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers their primary transfer target over Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as they seek to replace the departing Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners are looking for a new left-winger ahead of their title defence, with Trossard nearing a £17.2m departure to Turkish side Besiktas.
Manager Mikel Arteta has already bolstered his squad during the current window with the free transfer of former Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Meslier.
Aston Villa star emerges as top target
Interest in PSG winger Barcola has cooled after the French champions made it clear the 21-year-old is not for sale.
Arsenal’s focus has firmly shifted to securing Unai Emery’s talisman at Villa Park, according to sports journalist David Ornstein.
The versatile Englishman is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium to join a title-contending side.
“All the checks we’ve made suggest that Rogers is the top target,” said Ornstein.
“We’re not aware of offers… and Aston Villa have been quite clear they’re not looking to sell him.”
Massive valuation for England international
Any successful bid for the Midlands attacker would need to exceed the £116m Manchester City recently paid Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson.
Reports suggest a final fee could reach the £130m mark, reflecting his crucial role for Villa last term.
The forward registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions during a sensational domestic campaign.
He is currently representing his country at the World Cup, although most of his appearances have come from the substitutes’ bench.
PSG stand firm on Barcola
Alternatives remain on the Arsenal radar, but prying Barcola away from the Parc des Princes appears increasingly unlikely.
The French World Cup star racked up 13 goals and seven assists last season, perfectly fitting the profile of a pacy, wide attacker required by Arteta.
“PSG wanted to renew Barcola’s contract,” Ornstein added.
“When you speak to people there, they’re of the view: look, he’s not for sale; we don’t want to sell him.”