Ollie Watkins has backed Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers to reach the 'very, very top' amid speculation that Arsenal are preparing an £85 million move for the 23-year-old forward. The Premier League champions are looking to reshape their attack under Mikel Arteta as they aim to win back-to-back titles.
Rogers' rise at Villa Park
Rogers has flourished under Unai Emery at Villa Park, playing a key role in the club's Europa League triumph last season. He joined from Middlesbrough two-and-a-half years ago for an initial £8 million, but Villa would demand nearly ten times that amount to sell one of their most prized assets. Reports suggest Rogers is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium, but any deal would require a substantial offer.
Watkins, who nearly joined Arsenal himself last year, spoke highly of his club and international teammate. 'Morgan can go to the very top,' Watkins said. '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. I think he's got his head on his shoulders at the end of the day, he's an intelligent guy who is hardworking and confident in his own ability and I think he can go to the very top. He speaks for himself.'
Watkins' World Cup role
Watkins, now 30, is at the World Cup in North America as England's 'finisher' behind Harry Kane. He etched his name into English football folklore two years ago with a last-minute winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final. Despite not featuring in the Group L opener against Croatia, Watkins remains optimistic about his role.
'I feel like I understand the competition now, I understand that everyone has their moment, everyone has a part to play,' Watkins said. 'I experienced mine at a great time, obviously in the semi-final, but leading up to that point, before everyone had a part to play in certain moments and I know that's the same for this tournament as well. I feel like there's no pressure on me to come on at the end of the day. I think the expectation for me is people don't see me playing, obviously they see Harry playing, but I know what I can bring to the table.'
He added: 'I watch the game when I'm on the bench, I can see the game opens up. It's a completely different game when you start a game of football than when you finish it. I've experienced that as a substitute, there are so many more opportunities when you come on. A lot of people are tired, they lose focus and sometimes it can be better to be a substitute than to start the game. I've spoken about it so many times before, I said I was going to score that day and I did. It's the best feeling to come on and change the game and I'm hoping to do that again this tournament.'
