Aston Villa have set out to improve their attacking options this summer, and they may be able to splash the cash, with Fabrizio Romano revealing they have set a huge asking price for Morgan Rogers.
The transfer expert said: “Arsenal want to sign a top winger. The name, the top priority they have in mind remains Morgan Rogers. Arsenal want to sign Morgan Rogers. The agreement with the player, from my understanding, is quite close, it’s something that Arsenal see as close, not a problem, but Aston Villa start at £130million.
“This could eventually be negotiated. We will see, but Villa start at £130million for Morgan Rogers, so very expensive. We have to see what’s going to happen in the club-to-club conversations, but Arsenal are working on the Morgan Rogers deal as a top priority.”
With Rogers’ future very much in doubt, Villa may need to start thinking about bringing in a new winger, and they have set their sights on a player capable of operating on either flank, namely Paris Saint-Germain star Ibrahim Mbaye.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Villa are known to be keen on signing Mbaye, with Arsenal close to agreeing personal terms to sign Rogers, and there were recently suggestions that an offer could be in the works. |
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Finances |
PSG could demand as much as €40m – €50m (£34m – £43m) for the 18-year-old, which would be relatively expensive, considering he is still very young. However, should the Villans raise £130m from selling Rogers, they may have a healthy transfer budget this summer. |
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Insight |
Considering PSG have a wide array of attacking talent, the teenager is yet to make a real impact at senior level. However, he picked up three goals and two assists in 24 Ligue 1 matches, while also making his first four appearances in the Champions League. |
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Impact |
As the Senegalese forward is capable of playing on the left, he could challenge for Emiliano Buendia’s place in the side. Unai Emery could also deploy him at right-wing, with John McGinn potentially moving back into a more central role. |
Aston Villa making moves to sign Ibrahim Mbaye
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now held talks regarding a deal for Mbaye, but there could be competition for his signature, with Newcastle United, Brighton, Everton, Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth doing the same.
PSG are now willing to offload the youngster this summer, as they aren’t able to offer him a regular place in the starting XI.
Why Ibrahim Mbaye could be a future star
Scout Jacek Kulig is a big admirer of the starlet, and suggested his performances for Senegal indicate he has what it takes to reach the very top.
The winger has already collected 15 caps for Senegal, scoring four goals, and he was on the scoresheet in a 3-1 defeat against France at the World Cup.
The PSG ace has also already started to impress for PSG when given the opportunity, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Lens in Ligue 1 back in May.
Mbaye may need regular game time if he is going to fulfill his potential though, so it would make sense to leave the Champions League holders this summer.