Aston Villa may soon face one of the biggest decisions of their summer if interest in Morgan Rogers continues to intensify, and they’ve identified a World Cup star who could replace him.
The England international has emerged as one of the most sought-after attacking players in Europe after another outstanding campaign.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Rogers in recent weeks and continue to admire his ability to play across multiple attacking positions, while Chelsea have also made no secret of their interest.
Reports have suggested the Blues have repeatedly attempted to convince Rogers that Stamford Bridge is the right destination for the next stage of his career, but he prefers a switch to Arsenal right now.
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European champions PSG are another club keeping a close eye on developments, with Luis Enrique’s side understood to be admirers of the Villa star as they look to strengthen their own attacking options.
Villa have remained relaxed publicly, but whenever a player attracts attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, contingency plans become essential.
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He impressed for his club last season.
Unai Emery‘s side are believed to value their star creator at around £80-100 million, so any club will have to stump up the cash for one of England’s rising stars.
Rogers signed a new £120,000-per-week deal running until 2031 in November last year, so NSWE hold all the cards.
If the 23-year-old does leave, Emery will need an heir, and that is why fresh reports from Italy regarding Martin Baturina are particularly intriguing.
Aston Villa eye Croatia star Martin Baturina after alleged bid turned down
Baturina found the net against England during Croatia’s 4-2 World Cup defeat to the Three Lions on Wednesday night, once again showcasing the quality that has attracted interest from across the continent.
The goal served as another reminder of his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
According to Sky Italia, Aston Villa remain firmly interested in the talented playmaker, with Man United also keen after Leeds once tried to sign him.
Bayern Munich also made an inquiry for the Como forward, and Sky state that the Italians have already knocked back a £43m offer for him.
Interestingly, the report comes after previous claims from La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month that Villa had already tested the waters with a bid.
That proposal was reportedly worth somewhere between £43 million and £48 million. However, it was not enough to convince his current club to sell, with Baturina believed to carry a valuation much closer to £69 million.
That sizeable asking price reflects both his talent and his long-term potential.
Baturina is capable of operating as a traditional number ten, a deeper playmaker or even in wider attacking roles when required.
That flexibility would make him an ideal fit for Emery’s system.
Should Rogers eventually leave Villa Park, Baturina would represent a like-for-like replacement given their similar roles.
However, it remains to be seen whether he’d replicate the Englishman’s quality.
Baturina racked up eight goals and four assists in 34 total appearances under Cesc Fàbregas at Como last term, and a sizeable portion of those numbers came during a purple patch in January.
Nevertheless, football scouts like Ben Mattinson have branded the player an ‘elite talent’ and ‘creative genius’, so he could be one to watch if NSWE can afford to pay big money.
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