Arsenal may need to increase their offer for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers if Elliot Anderson completes a move to Manchester City, according to reports in The Telegraph. The potential transfer of Anderson for a fee exceeding €115 million (£100m+) could inflate the summer market, impacting Arsenal’s pursuit of Rogers.
Arsenal are aiming to bolster their squad this summer with reinforcements at right-back, in midfield, and on the left wing, as reported by BBC Sport. Rogers has emerged as a key target, with the player reportedly receptive to a move to the Emirates Stadium after a successful season where he registered 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions for Villa.
Nottingham Forest are reportedly demanding a fee close to €144 million (£125m) for Anderson, which would surpass the British record fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer. Forest recently rejected a bid of an initial €122 million (£106m) rising to €138 million (£120m) for the 23-year-old, who is understood to favour a transfer to City. Anderson’s performances last season were crucial in Forest avoiding relegation, contributing four goals and four assists in the Premier League.
Previously, reports suggested a fee of around €92 million (£80m) might be sufficient to secure Rogers from Europa League winners Aston Villa. However, The Telegraph now indicates that figure could rise in response to Anderson’s elevated valuation. Rogers and Anderson faced each other during the Europa League semi-final between Villa and Forest, with Emery’s side ultimately progressing to the final with a 4-1 aggregate win.
Both players are currently with the England national team preparing for their World Cup opener against Croatia. Anderson is expected to start in a defensive midfield role, while Rogers is competing with Jude Bellingham for the number 10 position. England will then face Ghana and Panama in Group L matches later this month. A successful transfer for either player would significantly strengthen their respective new clubs ahead of the upcoming season.
