Good day, football enthusiasts! James Richardson here, ready to dive into some intriguing transfer news that could impact your Premier League bets this season.
Villa’s Determination to Retain Rogers
Aston Villa is standing firm like a northern bouncer on a Saturday night, determined to keep Morgan Rogers, despite Chelsea’s increasing interest in the talented 23-year-old. Sources suggest that Villa is ready to do “everything in their power” to ensure the attacking midfielder remains at Villa Park beyond the summer transfer window.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has earmarked Rogers as a key target, with only weeks left in the window. The Blues are gearing up to test Villa’s resolve, proposing an ambitious player exchange deal involving cash plus Tosin Adarabioyo and Nicolas Jackson, as exclusively revealed by Football Insider on July 28.
However, Villa remains resolute that the England international is not for sale. He’s considered crucial to Unai Emery’s future plans. If Chelsea is serious about making Rogers their “dream signing,” they’ll need to lay out over £80 million just to bring Villa to the negotiating table.
Long-Term Contract as a Bargaining Chip
The Midlands club is in a strong position, with Rogers bound by a contract that stretches until 2030. As senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke noted, Villa is “desperate” to keep Rogers, despite potential financial gains from his sale.
- O’Rourke’s Insight: “Obviously, they don’t want to lose their best players,” O’Rourke told Football Insider. “Morgan Rogers is undoubtedly one of those, and replacing him at Villa Park would be a monumental task.”
- Long-Term Strategy: “Villa faces no immediate pressure to sell. Rogers’ long-term contract until 2030 aligns perfectly with Unai Emery’s strategy to build the team around him,” O’Rourke added.
The £80 million price tag is expected to deter most suitors, making this a “difficult deal to do for Chelsea.” The consensus is that Rogers will remain with Villa this summer as the club aims to strengthen rather than weaken its squad in the final weeks of the window.
Other Transfer Rumblings at Villa
Rogers isn’t the only Villa player stirring up transfer whispers. Ollie Watkins is also under speculation. Football Insider exclusively revealed on July 28 that Villa is open to selling Watkins, with their sights set on former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, now available on a free transfer.
- Calvert-Lewin’s Prospects: Calvert-Lewin is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, and Villa considers him as a plausible Watkins replacement.
- Manchester United’s Stance: Meanwhile, Manchester United has reportedly withdrawn from the Watkins race due to his hefty asking price.
Conclusion
As transfer sagas go, the Rogers situation is akin to nabbing the last chip butty at a Manchester café – it might cost an arm and a leg, but Villa won’t relent without a tussle. Keep this saga on your radar, as it could significantly impact your early-season betting moves!