- Emile Heskey has warned Morgan Rogers he could find himself down the pecking order at Arsenal
- Rogers is expected to be a big topic this summer with his future at Aston Villa up in the air
- Villa are reportedly eyeing the £100 million mark as a starting figure
Former Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has sent a warning to Morgan Rogers about joining Arsenal this summer. The 48-year-old believes Rogers could find himself down the pecking order at the Gunners, and has urged him to think carefully.
Rogers has emerged as one of the most coveted talents in English football, sparking intense interest from several clubs, including, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Following an outstanding season that culminated in European silverware, Villa are absolutely desperate to retain their prized asset and build their future project around him.
However, facing pressure to balance their finances and comply with strict spending rules, the Midlands club may have to consider potential offers for the England international. According to reports, Villa will look towards the £100 million sale of Jack Grealish as a starting figure.
Despite this valuation, Arsenal remain heavily linked with a blockbuster summer move.
With the World Cup on the horizon, any potential deal will likely be discussed after the tournament. Furthermore, should Rogers be impactful and effective for England, then his valuation may increase even more.
Emile Heskey views
As speculation intensifies regarding a switch to the Emirates Stadium, former Villa man Heskey has urged the young attacker to carefully weigh his options before making a definitive decision. Speaking on the dilemma, Heskey outlined the risks of abandoning his current status as Unai Emery’s talisman.
“Would it be difficult to say no to Arsenal? Yes and no.
“You have to look at who is ahead of you in both teams. He’s top of the pile at Villa; he is the main man. If he goes to Arsenal, where would he be in that pecking order, and does it suit the way he plays?
“He is a very intelligent player, so I’m sure it would. But he has to figure out what he wants from his career.”
Heskey’s warning highlights the fierce battle for starting spots inside Mikel Arteta’s attacking unit. Rogers would be competing with Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard. Whilst he possesses far more quality, he would still be battling for constant minutes.
Unlike at Villa Park, where he is guaranteed a starting role every week, a move to the capital may test his patience and resolve.
ReadAstonVilla verdict
Ultimately, losing Rogers would deal a devastating blow to Villa’s sporting ambitions, stripping Unai Emery of his star man right before a Champions League campaign.
While a £100 million windfall solves their immediate financial headaches, replacing his unique tactical intelligence and physical presence would be a difficult task.
As Heskey wisely cautioned, should Rogers leave, he must weigh up his options, which he certainly won’t be short of.
For club and player alike, rejecting Arsenal’s advances may be the smartest move to maintain their upward momentum.
