Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. (Warren Little/Getty Images)
Aston Villa have several key players representing their countries at this summer’s World Cup, highlighting just how far Unai Emery’s side have come over the last few seasons.
John McGinn is captaining Scotland, Emiliano Martinez remains Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are featuring for Belgium.
Lucas Digne is part of France’s squad, and England can call upon Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers.
However, once international duties are over, Villa could face a battle to keep hold of one of their brightest stars.
Rogers ‘Keen’ to Join Arsenal
According to talkSPORT, Morgan Rogers is interested in the possibility of joining Arsenal this summer, with the Premier League champions identifying him as one of their priority transfer targets.
The 23-year-old, described as “outstanding” by former Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, enjoyed a superb 2025/26 campaign, registering 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions as Villa secured a top-four finish and lifted the Europa League trophy.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his squad ahead of another title challenge and a return to the Champions League, with Rogers viewed as a player capable of adding quality and versatility in the final third.
Villa are yet to receive a formal offer, but the expectation is that Arsenal will test their resolve in the coming weeks. Chelsea and Manchester United are also understood to be long-term admirers of the England international.
Rogers recently featured for England at the World Cup, coming off the bench during the Three Lions’ 4-2 victory over Croatia, further enhancing his growing reputation.
Having developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2024, Villa will be desperate to keep hold of him. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s interest appears genuine, and this could become one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories once the World Cup concludes.
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