Arsenal and Chelsea might have already missed their chance to sign Morgan Rogers, with competition set to heat up, according to ex-Gunners defender Nigel Winterburn. The Aston Villa star has built a stellar reputation under Unai Emery as he approaches two years with the club.

Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in a deal worth £15million in January 2024. The 23-year-old has bagged 20 goals and 20 assists in 87 appearances for the Midlands club.

That saw the England international sign a new contract with Villa earlier this month, extending his deal until 2031. That will ensure that, amid interest from European giants, Rogers will not be able to depart at a low price.

The Villans are said to value Rogers at £100m and have made him one of the top five earners in the squad. The summer transfer window had seen links to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Winterburn believes that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could soon emerge as contenders if Rogers continues to progress. The 61-year-old reckons his name will be touted for the biggest moves.

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Winterburn told BetBrain: "I think Aston Villa would claim that they’re a big European club! However, if you’re talking about joining the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, then Rogers just has to continue doing what he’s doing and what he knows he’s good at.

"There’s a lot of talented players in his position around Europe at the moment but if Rogers maintains those levels of performances, then his name will get put up there by both the press and other fans, and the so-called ‘elite’ clubs will eventually come looking.

“I doubt Unai Emery would want to lose Rogers anytime soon because of how important he is, but he’s certainly in very good form and a terrific player who would add to a lot of big teams in the Premier League and beyond."

Last year's PFA Young Player of the Season called Villa Park 'home' after signing his new deal. "I'm so happy," Rogers said.

"The faith from the people at the club is a really nice feeling, and I couldn't wait to sign. I'm really happy. It's home. Being from the area makes it that bit sweeter, but the manager, the players, the staff, everyone here is so warm and welcoming every day.

"I'm excited to come in and train, work hard and give my all every day. I really enjoy it.

"The most important thing for me is enjoying my football and being able to express myself. There's no reason why I wouldn't want to stay here."

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