Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers has taken a fresh twist after Manchester City made a huge move for the England Under-21 star, complicating the Gunners’ hopes of landing a player Villa value at £130m.
The 23-year-old, who helped Villa secure Champions League qualification, is understood to be the subject of an ambitious approach from the north London club as they look to strengthen after winning the 2025/26 Premier League title. But sources suggest City have now entered the race, with Pep Guardiola eager to reinforce his attacking options.
“Aston Villa slap £130m price tag on Morgan Rogers as Manchester City enter race, complicating Arsenal's pursuit.”
While Arsenal weigh up whether to meet Villa’s stratospheric asking price, the club’s midfield plans are also in flux. Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain who starred under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, has been the subject of a rejected £8m bid from Chelsea. The Black Cats described the offer as “insulting” and insist their star man is not for sale as they prepare for Europa League football. Alonso continues to chase Xhaka, but silence from the player’s camp has only deepened the uncertainty.
Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali has been told a staggering six-year contract awaits him at Tottenham Hotspur, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to overhaul a Spurs squad that finished a lacklustre 17th last term. Newcastle United, however, are in no rush to sell the Italian midfielder, who remains under contract until 2028.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have confirmed that right-back Tino Livramento has successfully undergone a minor surgical procedure after returning from the World Cup with an injury. A club statement read: “We can confirm that Tino Livramento has successfully undergone a minor surgical procedure. The defender, who returned from World Cup duty with an injury, is expected to return during pre-season.”
With the summer window heating up, Arsenal now face a battle on two fronts — both for Villa’s prized asset and against the financial might of Manchester City.