Despite their efforts, Arsenal were unable to conclude a deal to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in January, a signing which could have made a huge difference midseason.
Arsenal bid for Watkins but Villa and Monchi rejected their advances — the Gunners’ bid didn’t match their valuation of the 29-year-old.
Arsenal were frustrated and Mikel Arteta has instead had to compete on all fronts without a striker.
Of course, that might be why Andrea Berta has been appointed as the club’s new sporting director, an Italian with a reputation for executing big deals in Europe.
And whilst Arsenal are still interested in Watkins, it’s another one of Unai Emery’s stars who Berta is said to really admire.
Arsenal want to steal Morgan Rogers from Unai Emery
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal believe they have a chance of signing Morgan Rogers from Villa this summer.
Rogers has made incredible progress under Emery this season, delineated by his now permanent spot in the England squad.
READ MORE: £68m striker admits he could leave his club this summer after holding talks with Arsenal
And the 22-year-old’s form has caught the eye of Berta according to the report, who is said to be a ‘huge admirer’ of the forward.
Villa signed Rogers from Middlesbrough for just £15m at the start of the 2024, and his value has probably more than tripled since then.
And whilst Emery and Monchi will obviously be determined to keep hold of Rogers, Arsenal believe a deal could be realistic this summer.
Villa still have PSR concerns and the report also states that Rogers could be tempted to leave if the club fails to secure Champions League football for next season.
Mikel Arteta would love Morgan Rogers
Of course, a player of Rogers’ quality would always be welcome at the Emirates Stadium.
Berta wants to sign a right-footed winger this summer as an upgrade on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and Rogers could be exactly that.
Arsenal also want Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, and whilst Rogers isn’t a traditional winger, Arteta would no doubt love his industry and ability to run with the ball under pressure.
Rogers would appear as more of a luxury signing for Arsenal rather than one to fill an obvious hole.
But given that the Englishman can play anywhere across attacking positions, he’d obviously be a great pick up for any top Premier League side.
Although as things stand, it does seem very unlikely that Villa would agree to a departure this summer.
