Gabriel Agbonlahor has a specific concern about what awaits Morgan Rogers at Arsenal, and the former Aston Villa striker did not hesitate to say it, Footynaija.com reports.
The Rogers-to-Arsenal saga has been building for weeks. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder registered 14 goals and 12 assists for Villa last season, helping Unai Emery’s side win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has identified him as a top target, Mikel Arteta has internally described him as the ideal signing, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the deal is on, and Rogers himself has given his preference to the Gunners over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG.
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Declan Rice is even leading a charm offensive among England teammates to help push the move over the line. Per Hand Of Arsenal, the key factor is the fee.
The Birmingham-based club reportedly want north of £100 million and are in no mood to negotiate downward. Arsenal are expected to make a formal bid, with Villa aware that wider interest could push any auction closer to that figure.
Agbonlahor, who was called up to the Nigeria under-20 squad before committing to England, spent 13 years at Villa Park and knows better than most what Rogers would be leaving behind. Speaking on talkSPORT alongside Arsenal fan Laura Kirk-Francis, he made his feelings about the move crystal clear.
‘Rogers is not getting more out of Villa’
Laura argued that Rogers had already reached his ceiling at Villa and had nothing left to gain by staying. Agbonlahor pushed back.
“Rogers is not going to get any more out of Aston Villa,” he said, before delivering the line that stopped the conversation in its tracks.
“Arteta might have him playing as a defensive midfielder!”
The point is not entirely without merit. Arsenal’s front line is stacked. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke all compete for wide positions.
Although Arteta reportedly sees Rogers as the ideal winger, Agbonlahor’s concern is that the 23-year-old would find himself squeezed into a role that does not suit him at the Emirates rather than thriving in the position that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting players.
