Bukayo Saka's cryptic Morgan Rogers post analysed after Aston Villa transfer development
Bukayo Saka appeared to hint at something when he posted a picture of himself and Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers on Sunday.
The 23-year-old is reportedly Arsenal's top target this summer, with their attempts set to accelerate after the World Cup is over.
Villa are reportedly demanding well over £100million for the midfielder, but it remains to be seen how they will respond to an official bid.
Issues with the profit and sustainability rules have hamstrung the Villans again this summer, but the sale of Rogers would ease those struggles significantly.
The purse strings at Villa already appear to have been loosened, with Johan Manzambi set to join the club from Freiburg for around £59m after Newcastle United's deal was hijacked.
Rogers and Saka featured on Saturday as England beat Norway 2-1 courtesy of Jude Bellingham's brace to reach the World Cup semi-final.
Bukayo Saka posts Morgan Rogers hint
Rogers has been among the Premier League's hottest topics across the last two seasons.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions in the campaign just gone, and there is no limit to the player he may well become.
Villa have the England international under contract until 2031 and are determined to get their full worth out of him, when he does leave.
While decision-makers would love to keep Rogers at Villa Park, there is likely an acknowledgement that the player will eventually want to leave.
Arsenal would reportedly be a move that interests him this summer, and to no surprise, considering their status as Premier League champions.
Rogers has no shortage of voices selling him on a move to the Gunners in the England camp, either, with Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Saka all there.
The latter took to Instagram on Sunday to share a picture of him and Rogers standing together, with the post coming shortly before Villa's move for Manzambi became public.
What Thomas Tuchel has said about Rogers
Should Rogers sign for Arsenal, his first position of priority will likely be on the left of the attack.
The 23-year-old plays there regularly for Villa and would be a strong option following the departure of Leandro Trossard, who is expected to join Besiktas.
The beauty of signing a player with the physical and technical attributes of Rogers, however, is that he can play almost anywhere.
"We played with Morgan Rogers in the eight and defensively as a double-six," explained Thomas Tuchel on Saturday. "He's one of my key players. I'm so, so happy about his performance today.
"He made a big step forward, like all our subs, but especially Morgan in a new position - absolutely top."