Arsenal have been informed that a British record fee of €152million (£130 million) will be required to secure the transfer of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mail. The Gunners identified the versatile attacker as a top target earlier this summer, as reported by BBC Sport in June, as they seek to strengthen their forward options.
Rogers has established himself as a key player for Villa over the past two-and-a-half seasons, scoring 31 goals in 125 appearances since joining from Middlesbrough in February 2024. His performances culminated in being named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after helping Unai Emery’s side win the competition in 2025-26. Despite Villa’s desire to retain Rogers, The Telegraph understands the club may be forced to sell to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations.
The Daily Mail reports that Villa are under pressure to generate significant revenue through player sales to avoid breaching UEFA’s spending rules, and Rogers has emerged as a potential candidate to depart. While Villa are reluctant to part ways with the 23-year-old, a bid of £130 million would reportedly prompt negotiations with Arsenal. This potential fee would surpass the current British transfer record of €144 million (£125 million) paid by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last summer.
Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with the Mail suggesting a similar substantial fee would be necessary to convince PSG to sell. However, BBC Sport previously indicated that Barcola is viewed as an alternative to Rogers, and Arsenal are not pursuing both players simultaneously. Both Rogers and Barcola are currently participating in the FIFA World Cup, with Rogers featuring as a late substitute in England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16. Barcola has scored twice and provided one assist for France at the tournament, as they prepare to face Morocco in the quarter-finals.
The potential acquisition of either Rogers or Barcola would significantly bolster Arsenal’s attacking options ahead of the new season, providing competition and depth in forward positions. The high asking prices, however, demonstrate the challenging financial landscape of modern football and the premium placed on established Premier League talent.
