Morgan Rogers is keen on a move to Premier League champions Arsenal this summer, talkSPORT understands.
The Gunners have made the Aston Villa and England star their leading transfer target.
Mikel Arteta is looking to further reinforce his squad this summer after leading Arsenal to the title and the Champions League final.
Europa League winners Villa are yet to receive any offers for the 23-year-old, but Arsenal are expected to bid.
talkSPORT reported in May the Gunners were ready to step up their interest in the England playmaker.
talkSPORT has also previously reported the 23-year-old would also be open to a move abroad after being tracked by Paris Saint-Germain.
Villa value Rogers at a minimum of £80m but a bidding war is likely to drive that price to around £100m.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also long-term admirers of him.
Rogers got 14 goals and 11 assists for Aston Villa in all competitions last season.
He came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes in England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia on Wednesday.
The big debate before the tournament was over who would start in the number 10 role.
Jude Bellingham got the nod for the opener, but Rogers could find his minutes increased should England qualify early.
If they beat Ghana on Tuesday, a place in the last-32 will be secured and allow manager Thomas Tuchel to rotate.
Morgan Rogers’ career
Rogers joined West Brom at the age of six and made one senior appearance before being signed by Man City.
The England man never got on the pitch at the Etihad, instead being sent on loan to Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool.
City then sold him to Middlesbrough in 2023 for just £1.5m and he flourished in the Championship.
This saw Villa sign him on February 1, 2024, for a deal worth up to £16m.
Rogers has since played 125 games for the club and scored 31 times.
This included a goal, and an assist, in the Europa League final victory over Freiburg.
talkSPORT verdict
The 23-year-old’s future was a big talking point on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show last week.
Stand-in host Andy Goldstein said of Arsenal’s interest: “If he’s a winner, he goes. If he’s a loser, he stays. Simple as that.”
Ex-Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor was having none of it though.
He replied: “Why when he’s won stuff at Aston Villa?
“What, are you saying that that’s a ceiling?
“Aston Villa got to the quarterfinals in the first time in the Champions League.”
Arsenal fan and talkSPORT broadcaster Laura Kirk-Francis said: “The quarterfinals. Arsenal were in the final. Arsenal were in the final and have a very good chance of getting there again.”
Gabby then joked: “My main reason is Morgan Rogers is one of our future Kings’ favourite players. Do not upset royalty.”