From Dispatch Room
Former England striker Emile Heskey has warned Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers to think carefully before making any decision over a reported £80 million move to Arsenal this summer.
Rogers has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young attackers following an impressive campaign for Aston Villa, attracting interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Villa and has become one of the standout performers under Unai Emery, with his versatility, pace, creativity, and direct attacking style earning widespread praise.
However, Heskey believes the midfielder-forward hybrid must consider whether a move away from Villa at this stage would genuinely improve his development and playing opportunities.
Speaking about the growing transfer speculation, Heskey suggested that regular football and continued development could be more important than making a high-profile switch too early.
According to him, young players often face increased pressure after expensive transfers, especially when expectations rise immediately because of transfer fees and media attention.
Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Rogers closely as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of another Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign.
The North London club are believed to view Rogers as a player capable of adding depth, creativity, and flexibility across multiple attacking positions.
Despite the transfer rumours, Aston Villa are understood to be reluctant to lose one of their key young stars and would likely demand a significant fee before entertaining negotiations.
Rogers remains under contract at Villa, and the Midlands club are expected to resist approaches unless their valuation is fully met.
Heskey also pointed out that staying at a club where a player is trusted and consistently involved can sometimes be more beneficial than moving to a bigger side and struggling for regular minutes.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker added that Rogers still has plenty of room for growth and should prioritise long-term career progression over immediate headlines.
Arsenal have yet to make an official bid, but reports linking the England youth international with a summer move continue to intensify as the transfer window approaches.
— Newspot Nigeria
