Arsenal told the only way they will get Morgan Rogers deal done this summer
Arsenal must meet Aston Villa's £130million Morgan Rogers price tag to have any chance of landing him, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners are leading the way for Rogers' signature as it stands, as they devise a plan to act on their long-term interest this summer.
The 23-year-old recently admitted that he is "not sure" he is worth £130m, but Villa are set to demand such a figure to agree to selling him anytime soon.
He has emerged as one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players over the last 18 months, and is currently looking to achieve World Cup glory with England.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Arsenal will have to meet the Villans' demands to stand any chance of signing Rogers.
Villa remain adamant that they will not be held to ransom, with Rogers still having five years left to run on his current contract.
Arsenal facing tough Morgan Rogers negotiations despite Mikel Arteta's 'dream'
Rogers would likely arrive at Arsenal to be a starter on the left flank as Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are both linked away from the club.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Arsenal are the front-runners for Morgan Rogers. He would be a dream signing for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board, and they remain hopeful that they can prise him away from Aston Villa, but Villa are digging their heels in right now.
"Unai Emery would be reluctant to lose Rogers, especially to a Premier League rival in Arsenal. This one is probably going to drag on for a while...unless Arsenal do come up with Villa's asking price, Villa will be insistent that he stays at Villa Park."
Trossard is ready to join Aston Villa as Arsenal exit looms
Arsenal are set to sanction a few high-profile exits after their Premier League glory, with some key adjustments needed to seal Champions League silverware next year.
Trossard has been mooted to move on after struggling to nail down a consistent starting berth on the left flank last season.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Trossard is open to joining Villa after they reportedly registered their interest in his services.
It remains to be seen if the 31-year-old could be used in negotiations for Rogers this summer.