Arsenal Accelerate Move for Top Target Morgan Rogers as £34M Tzolis Deal Nears Completion
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By Robert Mutasi
Arsenal have turned their attention back to Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers as they close in on signing Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis.
This is according to famous transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says the England international has now become Arsenal’s ‘top target’ with the new Premier League season just over a month away.
Romano says Arsenal are ‘accelerating’, meaning they are moving faster, to try and strike a deal for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who still has five years left on his contract at Villa Park.
Tzolis Deal Almost Done
Romano announced that Greek winger Tzolis will head to the Emirates for around £34 million. The 24-year-old is set to come to north London for a medical check, which is the final step before a transfer is confirmed.
Tzolis reportedly turned down interest from other clubs to join Arsenal. He is seen as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, after Trossard’s move to Fenerbahce in Turkey.
With the Tzolis deal almost done, Arsenal are now focusing on their next big signing.
Rogers is the Main Focus
Romano stresses that talks between Arsenal and Rogers’ entourage, meaning his agents and family who manage his career, are at an ‘advanced stage’.
He also made it clear that there have been no discussions between Arsenal and the camp of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, because the full focus is now on Rogers.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Rogers and wants to add more creativity and goals to his attack before the season starts next month. Arsenal are the current Premier League champions and want to defend their title.
Why Villa Want to Keep Him
Aston Villa do not want to lose Rogers. He is one of their most important players. Last season, he scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.
The former Middlesbrough man has become one of the hottest properties in the Premier League, known for scoring long-range goals.
Because of this, Villa value him very highly. Reports suggest Villa want around £130 million to let him go, which would be a British transfer record. Arsenal will try to negotiate that price down.
Rogers on Transfer Rumours
Rogers has tried to avoid being distracted by transfer rumours.
Speaking back in June on The Rest is Football podcast before the World Cup began, he said the first time he heard transfer interest, it was a distraction.
He said, “You’re in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you. But as you get older and gain experience, you know that comes with it and 95 per cent of it is just noise.”
He added, “You hear it, course you do. You can’t help not hearing it. You know it’s there but you’ve got to use it in a positive way. You just try and get on with your game and just focus.”
Those words may be tested in the coming weeks, as the pull of the Premier League champions may be too good to turn down.
Arsenal fans will now wait to see if the club can agree a fee with Aston Villa after already securing Tzolis.
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