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‘Top players have always moved’ - Tony Cascarino irritated by Morgan Rogers to Arsenal transfer speculation

Tony Cascarino has acknowledged to GOAL that “top players have always moved”, though the former Aston Villa forward admits he is frustrated by the somewhat perplexing situation surrounding Morgan Rogers and the growing transfer rumours linking him with Arsenal. The England international is reportedly attracting interest from the Gunners in a potential high-value move, with Aston Villa required to make sales to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Ambitious ownership at Villa Park ready to invest

Villa Park’s ambitious owners, backed by billionaire investors from V Sports, are willing to provide financial support to strengthen the team. However, head coach Unai Emery is finding his options limited in the transfer market due to financial restrictions.

Several prominent exits have already taken place to maintain financial equilibrium, but effective management and committed performances have allowed the club to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

Arsenal’s target Rogers valued at £130m

Villa’s 2025-26 Europa League victory ended a 30-year wait for a major trophy, while a fourth-place Premier League finish secured their Champions League qualification. Despite navigating financial obstacles, Villa continue to hold their ground among England’s elite clubs.

However, they may be forced to part ways with local talent Rogers this summer, with Arsenal showing firm interest in the 23-year-old attacker. The Midlands club are not expected to sell easily, with reports suggesting that Rogers carries a hefty £130 million ($172m) valuation.

Rogers has established himself as a key figure for the Villans, scoring 14 goals in each of the last two seasons, and is currently representing England at the World Cup. His consistent performances make it clear why the reigning Premier League champions at the Emirates Stadium would be eager to secure his signature.

Cascarino explains frustration over Rogers transfer rumours

When asked whether such a move would make sense for the parties involved, Cascarino – speaking on behalf of Tonybet as part of its World Cup Card Collection campaign offering Irish fans the chance to win up to €100,000 – told GOAL: “I’ve got this bias towards Villa, but it feels like they’re being held back by football’s financial rules – what revenue you can generate and how much you’re allowed to spend.”

He added, “Villa have shown they can compete. But if they find themselves having to sell players like Rogers to Arsenal just to manage their own finances, that’s a strange place for football to be. I’m not sure how we got here. It feels like the playing field is more uneven than ever. Arsenal made around £770 million last year, which lets them be very aggressive in the market.”

“The previous year, Liverpool spent £400 million. They did make sales too, but they can still be extremely aggressive. For teams trying to challenge the top six, it feels like they’re restricted. That’s what I dislike.”

“But big players have always moved – that’s always been part of football. I wrote a piece earlier this week about Elliot Anderson moving to Manchester City. Back in 1979, Steve Daley moved for £1.4 million from Wolves to City, but after two years he ended up at Seattle Sounders.”

“I don’t expect the same for Elliot Anderson, but these big transfers have always happened. Of course Arsenal would want to sign a top-quality player like Morgan Rogers. I’m just astonished because I want Villa to stay competitive too.”

Rogers’ contract: duration and future prospects

As of now, Aston Villa have given no indication of being willing to cash in on Rogers. Reports suggest Arsenal are reconsidering their options, hesitant to meet what would be a British record transfer fee.

If Unai Emery and his staff can persuade their creative No.27 to remain at Villa Park, he is contracted until 2031. While there may come a time when both club and player decide a move is inevitable, it is not guaranteed that such a decision will be made before the 2026 season.