Aston Villa have adopted a firm stance on Morgan Rogers, valuing the 23-year-old midfielder at 'well above £100 million' and rejecting any offers below that threshold, according to the Daily Mail. The club's owners are determined to keep the England international, who has scored 14 goals from midfield in each of his two full seasons at Villa Park.
Rogers' rise and England recognition
Rogers has earned 13 caps under England boss Thomas Tuchel and is aiming to feature further in the ongoing World Cup. His performances have attracted significant interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, with both clubs previously linked to the former Manchester City academy product.
The Daily Mail report indicates that Villa had been expected to accept around £85 million for Rogers, but the club's hierarchy now intends to reject any approach unless an offer reaches 'well above £100m.' This mirrors recent Premier League trends, where midfielders like Declan Rice (West Ham to Arsenal) and Moises Caicedo (Brighton to Chelsea) commanded fees exceeding £100 million.
Villa's financial context and contract security
Rogers signed a new contract in November last year, committing to Villa until 2031, which gives the club little pressure to sell. However, Villa face financial regulations that may necessitate a sale to fund further squad strengthening. The club is back in the Champions League next season after winning the Europa League, and manager Unai Emery is keen to retain key players.
Villa's owners view Rogers in the same bracket as Jack Grealish, who left for Manchester City in 2021 for £100 million. They are seeking a higher fee for Rogers, especially with Manchester City reportedly preparing a £120 million bid for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
Ollie Watkins praises Rogers' potential
Club and England teammate Ollie Watkins backed Rogers to reach the top: 'Morgan can go to the very top. You've seen what he can do in a short space of time in 18 months, how he's developed and started to perform at the top, top level which has got him all the recognition he deserves.' Watkins added: 'I think he's got his head on his shoulders, he's an intelligent guy who is hardworking and confident in his own ability.'
Villa eye Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli
The same report claims Villa are interested in Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, though a move remains unlikely due to financial constraints and the winger's wage demands. Emery previously worked with Martinelli during his stint at Arsenal and remains an admirer.
