Arsenal target Morgan Rogers, Salah to Besiktas, Olise tempted by Real Madrid move
Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers
Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers, identifying him as their primary attacking target. The 23-year-old, who previously attracted interest from Chelsea, could command a transfer fee exceeding £100m. Villa are understood to value Rogers at £130m, especially given he signed a new six-year contract in November, which is set to run until the summer of 2031.
Rogers has had a notable season, playing a key role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph and their fourth-place finish in the Premier League. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 appearances in all competitions last term, earning the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award. His performance included scoring and assisting in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul.
The midfielder also featured for England in their semi-final match against Argentina, providing an assist for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal. Arsenal’s current record signing is Declan Rice, who joined for £105m in 2023. While Arsenal are expected to make an approach for Rogers, it remains to be seen if they can alter Villa’s stance on selling a player who has become a prized asset.
Transfer movements across European clubs
In other transfer news, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to continue his career in Turkey. The 34-year-old Egypt forward is expected to sign for Besiktas. Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams. The 25-year-old Wales international is capable of playing on either flank, making him a versatile option.
Real Madrid has shown interest in Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise, who is 24. Olise is reportedly tempted by a potential move to the Bernabeu. Tottenham, on the other hand, have rejected a £46m bid from Newcastle United for their 20-year-old Sweden midfielder, Lucas Bergvall. Spurs are also reportedly interested in signing Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with the 24-year-old likely to be available following West Ham’s relegation.
Chelsea would need to spend £55m to secure Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix, who is 26, this summer. Ilaix Moriba, a 23-year-old midfielder from Celta Vigo and Guinea, has been offered to several clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Hull. He could be available for approximately 20m euros (£17m).
Bayern Munich has granted 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha additional time before he needs to return to the club, as he is no longer part of Vincent Kompany’s plans. Aston Villa are reportedly interested in acquiring him. Juventus has offered 6.5m euros (£5.5m) for Aston Villa’s 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Villa are seeking 12m euros (£10.2m).
The summer transfer window could also see some departures from Tottenham, with 28-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero potentially leaving the club. Manchester United and Newcastle United are both reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson, though neither club has made an offer yet. Juventus are currently leading the race for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun, who is 25, with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland also showing interest.
Aston Villa are also reportedly close to signing Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves in a deal worth £38m. Additionally, Villa have reportedly outbid Newcastle for Freiburg’s Switzerland international Johan Manzambi, in a club-record £50m move, after Manzambi’s performances at the World Cup.
Arsenal recently converted Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie’s loan into a permanent transfer for £34.5m. The club is also believed to be interested in signing Georgian Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili this summer.
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Source: bbc.com