The transfer saga of the summer is officially underway, and it just took a massive, explosive turn. As Arsenal desperately pushes to sign Aston Villa’s Europa League hero Morgan Rogers, Unai Emery has reportedly issued a defiant response: If you want our star, you’re going to have to pay up—and that means emptying your locker room.
According to the latest reports, Villa isn’t just looking for a record-breaking transfer fee; they are demanding a potential player-exchange deal to ensure Rogers’ exit doesn’t leave a hole in their squad. With Mikel Arteta under pressure to overhaul his roster following a heartbreaking Champions League final defeat, Emery is ready to turn the tables and poach from the Gunners’ own talented ranks.
The “Dirty Seven” Target List
Aston Villa has reportedly identified a shortlist of Arsenal players they would accept as part of the deal. The list is a mix of seasoned winners and high-upside talents, proving that Villa is serious about dictating the terms of this negotiation:
- Gabriel Martinelli: A recurring name in exit rumors, Martinelli’s versatility makes him the perfect Emery-style project.
- Gabriel Jesus: With just 12 months left on his deal, the veteran striker could provide Villa with the Premier League pedigree they crave.
- Ben White: Despite his quality, defensive shifts at Arsenal have made him potentially expendable.
- Ethan Nwaneri: An academy jewel who could thrive under Emery’s developmental system, much like Rogers did after leaving Man City.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: A rising star who impressed in the Champions League final and offers elite positional flexibility.
- Fabio Vieira: Currently on loan at Hamburg, he’s a creative playmaker that Emery reportedly views as a “hidden gem” in the right system.
- Martin Ødegaard: The bombshell of the list. While he remains a core captain, financial fair play pressures might force Arsenal to consider the unthinkable.
Why This Changes Everything
For Arsenal, this is a nightmare scenario. Arteta wants to bolster his attack with Rogers, but giving up one—or more—of these assets could weaken his squad elsewhere. For Villa, it’s a masterclass in leverage. By forcing Arsenal to part with first-teamers, they ensure that even if they lose their brightest star, they emerge from the summer window stronger, deeper, and more balanced.
As Paris Saint-Germain also lurks in the background, Arsenal now faces a high-stakes ultimatum: pay a historic fee, include top-tier squad members, or watch Morgan Rogers go to another European heavyweight.
