Mikel Arteta has a reputation for getting his man. And if the latest whispers emanating from the Emirates are anything to go by, the Arsenal manager h...
Mikel Arteta has a reputation for getting his man. And if the latest whispers emanating from the Emirates are anything to go by, the Arsenal manager has once again rolled up his sleeves and gone to work. GoalZaza understands that the Gunners are now in pole position to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, a player who has quietly become one of the most talked about attacking talents in the Premier League.The 23 year old playmaker has been a revelation for Unai Emery's side, registering a staggering 26 goal involvements since breaking into the first team. That sort of output from a wide forward or number ten does not go unnoticed for long. Chelsea and Manchester City have both circled like sharks in the water, but Arsenal believe they have stolen a march on their rivals. The reason Arteta's personal touch.You see, this is not just a case of a director of football waving a cheque book. Arteta has been known to call players directly, to sell them a vision, to make them feel as though they are not just buying a shirt but buying into a project. It is a tactic that has worked before, and sources close to the club suggest the Spaniard has already spoken at length with Rogers about how he fits into the tactical puzzle at the Emirates. The question is whether that charm offensive will be enough to fend off the deep pockets of Stamford Bridge or the gravitational pull of the Etihad.What makes Rogers such a compelling target is his tactical flexibility. He can operate in the half spaces, drift wide to stretch a low block, or drop deep to initiate transitional play. For a team like Arsenal, who sometimes struggle to break down stubborn defences, a player with that blend of direct running and clinical vision is worth his weight in gold. Chelsea, remember, have been desperate for a creative spark in the final third, while City always look to hoard talent, but Arsenal's need feels more acute. Desperate even.Of course, Villa will not let him leave on the cheap. But with Arsenal already accelerating their pursuit, and with Arteta's fingerprints all over this deal, you get the sense that this one has legs. The summer window is still a ways off, but the ground work is being laid. And if Arsenal do pull this off, it could be the kind of signing that turns a promising squad into a genuine title contender. Let's see if the Emirates boardroom can get it over the line without the usual squeaky bum time.
