Aston Villa could demand as many as seven Arsenal players in a stunning transfer swap for Morgan Rogers. If Arsenal want to land the in-demand England international from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, the Premier League champions could be forced to part with one or more first-teamers – potentially triggering a major squad overhaul at the Emirates.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen a squad that finally delivered a first Premier League triumph in more than two decades. Morgan Rogers is believed to be amongst the Spaniard’s top targets as he looks to add creativity and dynamism to his attacking options. However, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is expected to drive a hard bargain, demanding assurances that the 23-year-old can be adequately replaced – possibly approving a complex player-exchange arrangement rather than a straight cash deal.
The former Middlesbrough ace is tied to Villa Park until 2031 following a lucrative contract extension signed during last season. He won’t come cheap, and Emery’s ambitious outfit may look to add multiple Arsenal players to their ranks as part of any potential agreement. With Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly monitoring Rogers, who has thrived since arriving at Villa Park in February 2024, the pressure is on Arsenal to get creative.
Across all competitions this term, Rogers has delivered an impressive 14 goals and 12 assists, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League. A hefty transfer fee combined with one or more Arsenal squad members could ultimately convince Villa to part ways with their key man. We’ve examined a handful of those potential candidates who could be involved in this blockbuster swap.
Gabriel Martinelli
When speculation turns to which first-team players might depart Arsenal this summer, Gabriel Martinelli’s name frequently comes up. The Brazilian winger has been a faithful servant under Mikel Arteta, delivering moments of magic since his arrival from Ituano. However, he’s arguably more expendable than some of his higher-profile teammates as Arsenal look to refresh their forward line.
This season, Martinelli has made 53 club appearances across all competitions but has averaged just 45 minutes per outing. He started only one of the Gunners’ final six league fixtures and found himself on the substitutes’ bench for both the Champions League final and the second leg of the semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Although Arteta trusted him enough to introduce him from the bench in those crucial ties, his reduced role has raised questions about his long-term future in North London.
For Aston Villa, the potential benefits are clear. At just 24 years old, Martinelli still possesses significant upside. His versatility across the forward line – capable of playing on either flank or even through the middle – could prove highly valuable for Unai Emery’s system. Emery has previously extracted impressive performances from attacking players with similar profiles, such as former loanee Marcus Rashford, suggesting he could unlock a new chapter in Martinelli’s career.
Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal future has become the subject of intense debate following a difficult loan spell at Marseille. A mid-season managerial change at Stade Vélodrome severely restricted the young playmaker’s playing time, preventing him from showcasing his full capabilities to his parent club and potential suitors.
As an academy graduate, any sale of Nwaneri would register as pure profit on Arsenal’s books – a factor that could become decisive depending on the club’s other financial outgoings and incomings this summer. Villa have previously capitalised on young talents discarded by ‘Big Six’ clubs, with Rogers himself having been allowed to leave Manchester City as a youngster. The Midlands side may see a similar pathway to stardom for the talented attacking midfielder.
Though not an identical player profile, Nwaneri’s technical ability and vision could flourish under Emery’s guidance, especially if given consistent first-team opportunities at Villa Park.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly is another academy product whose Arsenal future appeared uncertain earlier in the campaign due to pure profit considerations. However, his impressive end-of-season form may have altered that trajectory significantly.
Following a promising debut campaign at left-back, the 19-year-old England international saw opportunities limited by the strong form and fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, as well as the arrival of Piero Hincapie. Despite this, Lewis-Skelly had previously featured in academy matches in midfield, and Arteta showed faith in him in that role during several vital late-season fixtures.
The teenager only started two Champions League knockout matches – the semi-final second leg and the final itself – while also delivering composed performances in key Premier League victories against Fulham and West Ham. A transfer in the opposite direction to Rogers remains possible, though it now appears less likely than it did a few months ago. Still, his youth and versatility make him an attractive prospect for Villa’s long-term squad building.
Ben White
Lewis-Skelly’s fellow defender Ben White is another player who has found regular playing time more difficult to secure this term. Jurrien Timber’s excellent form made breaking into the right side of the Gunners’ back four extremely challenging, while Arteta no longer seems to view White as a centre-back option despite his previous excellence in that role for Brighton.
An injury picked up during the West Ham clash in early May brought White’s season to a premature end, ruling him out of the Champions League final. The England international’s injury history could deter some potential suitors, particularly given the high-intensity demands of Emery’s interpretation of the right-back role.
Nevertheless, there have been enough encouraging signs during the second half of the campaign that a club of Villa’s stature might be willing to take a calculated punt. Ironically, those same standout performances could also persuade Arteta that retaining White for at least another season makes more sense for squad depth.
Fabio Vieira
This option remains more speculative, but it carries intriguing potential. Fabio Vieira has spent the current term on loan at Hamburg, where the German club hold an option to make the move permanent. However, reports suggest they are hoping to negotiate a reduced fee, potentially leaving the door open for other interested parties.
Villa could seize this opportunity. While the ex-Porto playmaker struggled to adapt to the physical demands of Arsenal’s system, Unai Emery has a proven track record of extracting value from technically gifted but less physically imposing players – Emi Buendia being a prime example. Vieira’s vision and set-piece delivery could find a perfect home in the West Midlands.
Gabriel Jesus
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus appears increasingly likely to depart North London this summer after four years at the club, having slipped down the pecking order. With only 12 months remaining on his contract and recent injury concerns, he is not expected to command a particularly hefty transfer fee.
Villa bolstered their attacking options in January by re-signing Tammy Abraham, but the former Roma man managed just three goals during his second spell. Should Emery seek additional depth and proven Premier League experience, Jesus could fit the bill perfectly with his movement, link-up play, and winning mentality.
Martin Odegaard
Despite his status as Arsenal captain and a key figure in North London, an exit for Martin Odegaard cannot be entirely ruled out. Reports earlier in the year suggested the Norwegian faced potential departure, and the financial balancing act required after a title-winning campaign might force Arsenal to consider difficult decisions.
However, Odegaard’s own comments following the Champions League final suggest it would be extremely challenging for any rival Premier League club to lure him away. “There is nothing to say at the moment. I am under contract here and really happy here and hopefully I can stay many years,” the former Real Madrid star declared.
Any approach for the playmaker would likely require an astronomical offer – something that might stretch even Villa’s growing resources.
Conclusion: A Defining Transfer Window
This potential Morgan Rogers deal represents far more than a simple player swap – it could reshape both clubs’ squads for years to come. For Arsenal, securing Rogers would add youthful dynamism and goal threat to a side already brimming with quality. For Aston Villa, landing multiple Arsenal talents could accelerate their push towards establishing themselves as genuine top-four contenders under Unai Emery’s shrewd management.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, negotiations are expected to intensify. Rogers’ contract situation gives Villa significant leverage, but Arsenal’s status as reigning champions may encourage them to pursue a multi-player package that satisfies all parties. Whether this stunning swap materialises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rumour mill is only just getting started.
Football fans across the country will be watching closely as these two ambitious Premier League sides look to strengthen ahead of another thrilling campaign. Could this be the transfer story that defines the summer of 2026?
