Top News

Aston Villa have issued a firm warning to potential suitors for Morgan Rogers this summer: either meet their valuation or move on. Despite the increasing scrutiny of UEFA’s financial regulations, the club’s management remains determined not to sell one of their prized players for anything less than top value, even as interest from Arsenal and Chelsea grows stronger.

Villa set record-breaking asking price for Rogers

Club owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are ready to stand their ground this transfer window amid rising competition for Rogers. The ownership group reportedly will not entertain any offers below a premium rate, with sources indicating that bids must exceed £100 million for negotiations to even begin. The Midlands side points to escalating prices elsewhere in the market to justify their stance, with Manchester City valuing Elliot Anderson at £120 million and Liverpool’s target Yan Diomande carrying a £100 million tag. After Rogers’ impressive campaign, which included 14 goals and 12 assists, Villa view him as a key asset. While Arsenal and Chelsea have shown concrete interest, Villa’s board insists they will not grant any discounts to Premier League rivals.

Financial fair play challenges

Despite their remarkable on-field success, including a historic Europa League triumph in May, Villa continue to navigate financial constraints. Under UEFA’s financial fair play rules, clubs are restricted to spending no more than 70 per cent of their revenue on football-related costs. This has proven difficult for Villa, particularly after receiving a £9.5 million fine for a previous breach. The financial strain has led to speculation that the club may need to sanction a significant sale to support Unai Emery’s transfer ambitions.

The club’s recent transfer record has been mixed, with nearly £45 million spent on Evann Guessand and Tammy Abraham, alongside steep wage commitments for loan signings who failed to deliver the desired impact. To maintain their Champions League competitiveness, Villa will need to be, in their own words, “extremely creative,” which could ultimately push them towards making tough decisions regarding player sales.

Emery eyeing fresh attacking options

Unai Emery is eager to strengthen his squad’s attacking depth, irrespective of Rogers’ future. The Spanish manager has long admired Gabriel Martinelli, having previously worked with the Brazilian during his stint at Arsenal, and knows that the Gunners may be open to discussions. However, Martinelli’s high salary could pose a significant obstacle, particularly given Villa’s delicate financial position.

Alternative targets being monitored include Harry Wilson, available as a free agent following an impressive season at Fulham, and Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes. Emery is also tracking Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye, who is currently featuring at the World Cup, though a permanent transfer for the French winger would likely be too expensive. The Villa manager’s focus remains on acquiring players capable of immediately enhancing his starting lineup as the team prepares for their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG.

Watkins backs Rogers for the top

Amid the ongoing transfer speculation, Aston Villa’s players remain concentrated on their World Cup duties. Striker Ollie Watkins has publicly praised his teammate Rogers, expressing confidence in the forward’s potential to reach the highest levels of the game, regardless of where he plays next season.

“I think Morgan can go to the very top,” Watkins remarked. “You can see what he’s achieved in just 18 months—how he’s developed and started performing at an elite level, earning the recognition he deserves. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, works hard, and plays with real confidence.”