Morgan Rogers: How Arsenal plan to beat Man United to Aston Villa star | OneFootball

Manchester United risk falling behind in a red-hot race for Morgan Rogers as Arsenal prepare to strike first for the Aston Villa wizard, according to the latest report.

Long-Term Successor to Fernandes

While Bruno Fernandes’ energy and enthusiasm make him resemble a youngster just bursting onto the scene, United’s captain turns 32 in September. Father Time comes for us all, even players with his indefatigable spirit.

Old Trafford chiefs are understood to view Rogers as a potential long-term successor to Fernandes, though one who can play alongside the Portuguese talisman.

Starring for England at the World Cup, Rogers is a Swiss Army knife for both Thomas Tuchel and his club manager, Unai Emery. He is capable of thriving on either wing, or through the middle as a No.10, thanks to his elite ball-carrying and dribbling. Yet he possesses a 6’2″ frame – unique for a player so skilful – with pace and power to burn, making him the prototypical Premier League attacker.

Since arriving at Villa Park in 2024 from Middlesbrough – where he was managed by Michael Carrick – Rogers has returned 31 goals and 29 assists in 125 appearances. This is an average of one goal contribution roughly every two games, including 26 across all competitions last season.

Morgan Rogers Stats: 2025/26 Season

Having secured Champions League football with a fourth-placed finish in the league, as well as triumph in the Europa League with a 3-0 win over SC Freiburg, Aston Villa do not want to sell Rogers.

However, there is growing acceptance in Birmingham that this summer represents the best opportunity to maximise the fee received for his services. Furthermore, the player himself is said to be pushing for a move, with each one of England’s elite keeping a close eye on the situation, as well as heavyweights on the continent.

Carrick’s pre-existing relationship with Rogers is one plus for United, as is sporting director Jason Wilcox’s connection, after their shared time in Manchester City’s academy. Both figures remain huge fans of the Halesowen native, believing him capable of filling Fernandes’ boots.

Arsenal leading the charge

Manchester United are far from alone in their admiration of Rogers, however. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have all expressed interest this summer, while European champions Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be keen admirers as well.

But it is Arsenal, fresh from their first Premier League title in 22 years, who are pushing ahead to strike a deal. Mikel Arteta has identified the Englishman as the leading target to bolster his frontline, which often looked bereft of creativity and invention last summer, despite their success.

TEAMtalk reveals the Gunners are preparing an “official approach” to Aston Villa, having made “significant” progress in talks with the player’s camp. There is a firm belief that the Emirates is his “preferred destination.”

However, Villa are publicly briefing that their talisman is not for sale, even if there is private recognition a deal is there to be done. The Midlands side will point to Manchester City’s £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson as a benchmark for negotiations.

As such, sources at Villa Park indicate it will require a “record-breaking fee” to prise Rogers away, with an intention to make him the most expensive English player ever.

The report states that alongside Liverpool, Manchester United are “continu[ing] to monitor developments closely and have kept themselves informed over the situation.” Chelsea remain in the race, as do Manchester City. But each club is believed to recognise Arsenal are the frontrunners.

Final Thoughts

While Manchester United’s focus this summer is a major rebuild in midfield, Old Trafford chiefs are also looking at reinforcements further forward. A new left winger is a priority, while a more reliable forward than Joshua Zirkzee is also on the radar. Rogers would provide an outstanding option for the former, which, in turn, would enable Matheus Cunha to play up front to fill the latter – the exact role he thrived in for Brazil at the World Cup.

The Red Devils tabling a record-breaking bid for Rogers feels far from likely. But he would almost certainly be a game-changing signing who would elevate Carrick’s forward line to the next level, and provide an heir to the King at the Theatre of Dreams before Fernandes’ time comes to an end.

Featured image Dan Mullan via Getty Images

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