Premier League champions Arsenal are preparing to make a serious move for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, with manager Mikel Arteta personally spearheading the pursuit, according to talkSPORT.

Preliminary discussions with Rogers' advisors are understood to have already taken place, signalling how advanced Arsenal's interest has become. Arteta views securing the 23-year-old as a statement of ambition following the club's first Premier League title in 22 years.

Rogers pursuit puts Martinelli and Trossard under pressure

Should Rogers complete a move to the Emirates, questions would arise over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both of whom occupy similar wide-attacking roles in Arteta's squad.

Arsenal are unlikely to have a clear run at the England international. Chelsea are also monitoring Rogers closely, and Manchester United technical director of football Jason Wilcox is among those known to admire the Villa playmaker. There have also been reports linking the player with Paris Saint-Germain, and talkSPORT notes Rogers himself would be open to a move abroad.

Aston Villa — who claimed the UEFA Europa League title this season — value Rogers at a minimum of £80 million, though a bidding war between multiple top clubs could push that figure to around £100 million.

Liverpool cast wide net with Barcola as Diomande alternative

Across the city at Liverpool, the search for wide reinforcements is intensifying following Mohamed Salah's departure and a dip in form from Cody Gakpo.

RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande remains a prominent name on Liverpool's summer shortlist, but the club faces stiff competition. PSG are also interested in the Ivorian midfielder, and Leipzig are pushing for him to remain in Germany for at least one more season.

With Diomande's future uncertain, Liverpool have identified PSG winger Bradley Barcola as a fallback option — one the club has tracked for some time. There is a growing sense that PSG could sanction Barcola's sale, particularly if they succeed in landing Diomande as his replacement.

Barcola has been in fine form for the European champions this season, contributing six goals and 14 assists across all competitions.