Aston Villa poised to play hardball over Morgan Rogers as Arsenal eye move | OneFootball

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Aston Villa are preparing to play hardball with any Arsenal approach for Morgan Rogers, who they do not wish to sell. It is believed that only an offer of at least £100 million would prompt a rethink.

The Premier League champions are emerging as the England international’s strongest suitors and are expected to firm up their interest after the World Cup.

Co-owner Nassef Sawiris has a track record for tough negotiating, notably refusing to sell Jack Grealish to Tottenham in 2018 when Villa were still in the Championship. The club are similarly determined to keep Rogers or at the very least avoid any sale below market value.

Middlesbrough included a sell-on clause when moving Rogers to Villa for an initial £eight million in January 2024, entitling them to 20 per cent of any profit on a future fee.

Rogers’ situation is likely to shape Villa’s summer business as they balance compliance with Uefa’s financial rules. The club and Uefa have been in frequent dialogue after a three-year settlement agreement was reached 12 months ago.

While groundwork has been laid on targets such as Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, major spending is on hold until the finances are clearer.

One early deal being pursued is Flamengo right-back Emerson Royal, previously of Tottenham. Unai Emery wants cover and competition for Matty Cash, with Villa willing to offer around £eight million.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com