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Morgan Rogers has been linked with a massive £130 million ($175m) transfer away from Aston Villa, but Stan Collymore has explained why the Birmingham club are not expected to chase high-profile names such as Phil Foden or Eberechi Eze as possible replacements for their fellow England international. Manager Unai Emery is reportedly planning to strengthen his squad with a different type of player.

Arsenal exploring alternate options after Rogers links

There remains a possibility that Villa will manage to keep hold of Rogers, who is currently representing England at the World Cup and hails from the West Midlands. Arsenal have shown interest in the forward, but the current Premier League champions appear to have shifted their focus toward Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Villa’s steep valuation, which reportedly broke previous records, is said to have discouraged Arsenal, potentially putting an end to the ongoing rumours. However, with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in play, Villa may still need to make summer sales to maintain compliance and ensure financial balance.

Would Foden or Eze become transfer targets if Rogers departs Villa Park?

Should Rogers opt to move on, several elite European clubs are rumoured to be monitoring his situation closely. A transfer would give Emery significant funds to reinvest in a replacement. Some supporters have speculated that Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, who recently missed out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad, could be open to a new opportunity. If Rogers were to join Arsenal, Eberechi Eze might also consider a move, anticipating limited playing time under Mikel Arteta.

Identifying Villa’s ideal type of signing

When asked whom Aston Villa should target in the event of Rogers’ departure, former Villa striker Stan Collymore, speaking exclusively to GOAL via BetGoodwin, commented: “It’s a tricky situation. Villa have to remain PSR compliant, so a large portion of any income will likely go towards that.”

He added, “I think Villa would be looking to replace Rogers with a wide attacking midfielder who has explosive pace. The club has lacked players in wide areas who can take on defenders. They tried Evann Guessand, but that didn’t work out, and he went on loan to Crystal Palace. Leon Bailey hasn’t fully delivered, and they allowed Donyell Malen to leave—although he’s more of a striker, his speed allowed him to stretch defences.”

Collymore further explained, “I don’t see Villa going for players like Foden or Eze. Instead, they’ll probably target lesser-known talents from the Bundesliga or Serie A—youngsters aged 21 to 23—who Unai Emery can mould into top performers.”

He continued, “I don’t think Villa will bring in any marquee signings on huge wages, even on short-term deals similar to when Marcus Rashford had his loan spell. The club’s ethos is about building sustainably. Signing established stars who are surplus to requirements elsewhere and demand massive salaries doesn’t fit Villa’s model. Rogers himself was scouted for years before being signed from Middlesbrough at the right price and the right time for development.”

Collymore concluded, “Villa will follow that same blueprint—identifying and nurturing young, developing players rather than bringing in ready-made stars seeking high wages.”

Rogers under long-term contract despite exit speculation

Following their breakthrough season, in which Aston Villa ended a 30-year wait for major silverware by winning the Europa League, the club has become an attractive destination for players eyeing Premier League opportunities. Despite ongoing speculation, Rogers has given no indication of wanting to depart and remains under contract with Villa until 2031. Nevertheless, with financial regulations to consider and top European clubs reportedly monitoring him, his future continues to attract attention.