Morgan Gibbs-White to Aston Villa update as Arsenal have new rivals for Morgan Rogers
Morgan Gibbs-White is among the players Aston Villa are monitoring this summer as they accelerate plans to improve their squad, sources have told Football Insider.
The Nottingham Forest captain enjoyed a brilliant Premier League season, but was snubbed for England's World Cup squad.
Morgan Rogers has flown to North America with Thomas Tuchel's men, and his future may well be decided upon his return.
With the 23-year-old attracting plenty of interest, Villa are keeping tabs on Gibbs-White' situation and that could have consequences for Rogers' future.
Arsenal are thought to be the leaders in the race for Rogers, as Mikel Arteta looks to build on a Premier League title-winning season, but there is widespread rival interest including from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Aston Villa register Morgan Gibbs-White interest
Nottingham Forest will be well aware of the difficulties they will have in keeping Gibbs-White at the club this summer.
The midfielder came extremely close to leaving last summer when Tottenham triggered his exit clause, but he ultimately stayed and signed a new contract.
Aston Villa transfer chiefs will be well aware that deal expires in just two years, however, with Nottingham Forest potentially forced into a sale this summer if they are to extract the optimum fee.
Gibbs-White was not selected for the World Cup, but his stock has only grown this season after scoring 15 Premier League goals.
Villa are among several admirers of Gibbs-White this summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham also monitoring his situation.
But such a move will require a sale, and it seems plainly clear that the midfielder could be a replacement for Rogers.
The 23-year-old is heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, and movement on the Gibbs-White front could open that door.
Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers compared
Rogers scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions this season, and it likely should have been both him and Gibbs-White in the England squad.
Instead, the midfielder is hoping to raise his profile ahead of a potential move to the champions, while the Nottingham Forest man could be his replacement.
They are different players, however. Gibbs-White gets more shots off per game (1.71 to Rogers' 1.59) and produces far more expected goals.
The 23-year-old produces more expected assists per game (0.12 to 0.08), though, and is undoubtedly a stronger dribbler.
The stats indicate what is already known about each player. Rogers, a natural left winger, loves to cut inside, while Gibbs-White is the more traditional number 10.
Should Villa stick or twist this summer, they will certainly have a capable player on their hands.