Arsenal are on the verge of a potentially historic transfer move as personal terms with Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers are nearly finalised.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are now “ready to attack” the situation with formal club-to-club negotiations expected to begin very soon.
Romano confirmed that Rogers remains Arsenal’s primary target for the left winger role they are desperate to strengthen heading into the new season.
“There are no active talks for Bradley Barcola. And the player Arsenal want to add as a new winger is, from my information, still Morgan Rogers,” Romano said.
He elaborated further, adding that conversations with the player’s camp have been smooth and productive, with only minor details left to finalise before a personal agreement is reached.
“Advanced conversations on player side, no issues on contract terms. The personal terms are almost agreed, just a few details to clarify. And Arsenal are ready to attack,” Romano stated.
“Arsenal are ready to go and negotiate for their new winger, Morgan Rogers. Club to club also expected to start soon after. So, this is Morgan Rogers, the player Arsenal want to add to their squad.”
Reports from the Telegraph have placed Rogers’ potential transfer fee at as much as £130 million, which would make the deal a club-record signing for Arsenal.
That figure would surpass the fee paid for Declan Rice, which was previously reported by BBC Sport as the Gunners’ most expensive purchase to date.
While the numbers are eye-catching, the deal appears to have significant momentum behind it, with sources previously suggesting an agreement in principle on a five-year contract was already in place.
Barcola, who has also been linked with Arsenal, appears to be heading in a different direction, with Romano suggesting a move to Liverpool looks like the more probable outcome for the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
That makes Rogers the clear and undisputed priority for Arsenal’s attacking reinforcements, and the club appear committed to getting the deal across the line.
Rogers impressed significantly at Aston Villa and demonstrated his quality at international level with England, underlining why Arsenal rate him so highly as a top target.
The stumbling block now appears to be Villa’s valuation, with £130 million considered steep even in today’s inflated transfer market by most industry observers.
Arsenal will be hopeful that Villa soften their asking price as talks progress, with the personal terms side of the deal already reportedly close to being wrapped up.
