Morgan Rogers to Arsenal: Ex-Aston Villa scout drops verdict on transfer as 'anxiety' grows

Morgan Rogers could be tempted by Arsenal interest amid "anxiety" if he loses out on a move, according to former Aston Villa senior scout Bryan King.

The midfielder is the subject of significant interest from the Premier League champions, who are keen to bolster their attacking options after their triumphant 2025-26 campaign.

However, the Gunners have reportedly been told that they will need to pay in the region of £100million to sign the 23-year-old this summer.

Rogers is under contract at Villa Park until 2031, and Villa are under no obligation to sell him this summer.

And with talks likely to see Elliot Anderson move to Manchester City for a British record fee this summer, there is reason to stick by that asking price.

However, the England international has reportedly indicated his willingness to move to Arsenal, and could make his feelings clear after the World Cup.

Bryan King provides Morgan Rogers insight

Rogers signed for Villa from Middlesbrough in 2024, and he quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored 14 goals across all competitions this season, and helped Unai Emery's team to Europa League glory.

Arsenal are keen to sign Rogers this summer, but they may need him to push for the move if they are to have any chance.

"Regarding Rogers, he signed a contract," King exclusively told Football Insider. "Now, we all know that he wants to play Champions League and Villa are going to play Champions League.

"They won a trophy. Arsenal won a trophy. They won the Premier League. They won the Europa Cup. Now, if I was Villa, I'd be looking to take a step up for me.

"I'd be looking to take a step higher in the league. Certainly challenge much harder for the Premier League. And if I'm going to get rid of Rogers, then he's going to weaken my challenge.

"So as long as Rogers is happy, then he's going to stay at Villa. But the problems that can start there is if Arsenal want to up their interest, which can then cause the player to be a little bit anxious and 'what's going to happen to my future'."

Arsenal have World Cup agents at work

Rogers will be keen not to ruin the reputation he has built at Villa this summer, but he will also be aware that his chances for a move of such significance could be finite.

And with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice in his ears at the World Cup, it would not be a surprise to see him return with a new attitude.

Start rocking the boat, and Villa will be forced to take a look at the situation and make a decision.

Rogers is central to Emery's project, but an unhappy player can be detrimental to the dressing room.