Liverpool must ruin Mikel Arteta’s plans and sign 14-goal star now | OneFootball

Liverpool and Arsenal have quickly become rivals over the last couple of years.

The two clubs have always been in and around the conversation of winning the Premier League title but, more often than not, Manchester City have been the ones to come out on top.

Indeed, the last two seasons have consisted of both clubs winning the title themselves but, the rivalry between them has only grown more fierce.

In fact, when Liverpool beat the Gunners during their first match-up of the 2025-26 season, the Reds' fanbase were over the moon.

Not because it meant they were a step closer to the title but because it meant that the North London outfit were getting further away from securing it.

In the end, Mikel Arteta led his men to the title and Liverpool finished fifth but, now that the Reds have Andoni Iraola at the helm, their chances of winning the title have increased and they could become even stronger if they hijack one of Arsenal's deals this summer.

Liverpool must re-enter the transfer race for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers

Much like this summer, last season Liverpool were linked with a whole host of attackers.

When Luis Diaz exited, most of the Reds' fanbase expected at least one new winger to come in and replace him.

Instead, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes chose to sign Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and, even though Wirtz and Ekitike can play there if needed, neither of them are natural left-wingers like the Colombian was.

This left the Anfield outfit in a bit of a terrible situation and caused them to do poorly.

Morgan Rogers was one of their main targets and, after the performances he put in this term, it's clear how much he'd have helped Liverpool end their season better off than they found themselves.

This run of form has led to more transfer rumours being shared with Arsenal now leading the way for his transfer.

"Morgan Rogers is Arsenal’s leading target, and the player keen on the move, as revealed on talkSPORT," Ben Jacobs via his personal X account.

"No developments yet with Aston Villa, but Arsenal are now expected to bid."

This will be joyous news for Arsenal fans as, even though they won the Premier League title last term, their attack could still do with an upgrade or two.

But, in Liverpool's case, it's far from ideal as, even though they already have an abundance of attacking options, the arrival of Rogers would improve things massively.

His versatility coupled with his keen eye for goal are just two of the reasons why Iraola needs to convince Hughes to re-enter the race for the Englishman.

Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Open an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.

18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

£30 FREECLAIM NOW

18+Gambling can be addictive — please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.

Morgan Rogers' 2025-26 season for Aston Villa in numbers

It may have taken Unai Emery's men a few games to get into the swing of things this season but, once they found their rhythm, they were close to unstoppable.

Both teams shared the spoils in the two games they played against one another this term with each club winning one clash each.

However, Villa's 4-2 dismantling of Liverpool during the middle of May was a serious sign about how far things fell this term.

Slot's tactics failed to make the most out of the players he had which resulted in a fifth-place finish.

Villa's revival was mainly because Ollie Watkins and Rogers finally found their goal-scoring boots with each of them heavily contributing to Villa's success.

During the 2025-26 season, Rogers scored 14 goals and assisted his teammates 12 times and, as per Fotmob, he maintained a 74.6 per cent pass accuracy throughout his Premier League campaign and created 47 chances.

He won 158 duels and successfully completed 42 dribbles across the term while also having 181 touches in his opponents box.

These statistics coupled with the fact that he's only 23 years old make it obvious why the Reds must re-enter the race for the Englishman before Arsenal prise him away from Villa Park.