Arsenal are reportedly ready to accelerate their pursuit of Morgan Rogers after reaching an agreement to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
Andrea Berta has moved quickly to reshape Mikel Arteta’s attacking options following Leandro Trossard’s permanent transfer to Besiktas.
Arsenal agreed a €40million, around £34million, package for Tzolis on Thursday. The Greece international is now expected to complete the remaining formalities before signing a long-term contract.
However, his arrival will not end Arsenal’s work on the forward line.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners are now ready to increase their efforts to sign Rogers, with discussions on the player’s side already at an advanced stage.
The Aston Villa attacker remains Arsenal’s leading target for a major addition across the attacking positions.
Tzolis and Rogers viewed as separate deals
Romano has stressed that Arsenal’s move for Rogers is separate from the Tzolis agreement.
Tzolis is expected to replace some of the depth lost through Trossard’s departure. Rogers would arrive as a player capable of competing immediately for a regular starting position.
The Guardian reports that Arsenal remain interested in Rogers, despite committing £34million to the Tzolis transfer.
No negotiations have taken place for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to Romano. Arsenal’s current focus remains on trying to find an agreement for Rogers.
As Read Arsenal reported earlier on Thursday, Romano had already identified the England international as the club’s first-choice attacking target.
The latest update suggests Arsenal are now prepared to act on that long-standing interest.
There is no indication that Villa have accepted an offer or agreed to open formal negotiations at a specific figure. Arsenal must still overcome a substantial difference in valuation before the transfer can progress.
Villa remain in a strong position
Rogers signed a new Aston Villa contract last year which runs until 2031.
That agreement gives Villa considerable control over his future, while Unai Emery has no desire to lose one of his most important attacking players.
Reports have placed Villa’s valuation as high as £130million. The figure would make Rogers one of the most expensive players in British football history.
The 23-year-old’s performances for England at the World Cup have strengthened Villa’s position further. He started the semi-final defeat by Argentina and created England’s goal with a delivery for Anthony Gordon.
Rogers can play from either wing, behind a striker or as an attacking midfielder. His carrying power and ability to receive between defensive lines would give Arteta another way to break down compact opponents.
Arsenal are believed to have made progress with the player’s representatives. However, an agreement on personal terms would only become relevant if Berta can negotiate an acceptable fee with Villa.
TalkSPORT reports that Arsenal are preparing an opening offer after holding positive discussions over a potential move.
Berta faces his biggest negotiation
Rogers would represent a very different deal from Tzolis.
Arsenal have agreed to pay a defined market price for the Club Brugge winger. Villa can demand a premium for Rogers because of his age, contract and Premier League record.
Berta has developed a reputation for progressing several options before committing Arsenal’s money to one target.
Paying close to Villa’s reported valuation would therefore require a clear belief that Rogers can transform Arteta’s attack.
The club must also consider William Saliba’s back injury, which could force them to divert part of the remaining budget towards another defender.
As Read Arsenal examined after the Tzolis agreement, the two attacking pursuits have always been viewed separately.
Tzolis provides depth and directness from the left. Rogers offers greater versatility and Premier League experience, but at a far higher price.
Arsenal are ready to increase their efforts. Convincing Villa to sell remains the decisive stage of the deal.
