Is Tottenham Eyeing an £80M Chelsea Target as Eberechi Eze's Replacement?

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly pursuing Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers as an alternative to Eberechi Eze, following a setback in their attempts to secure the Crystal Palace star. With Arsenal hijacking Spurs' bid for Eze, the north London club is now in search of fresh talent to bolster their midfield options.

Last updated: 29 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Tottenham's interest in Eberechi Eze has been thwarted by Arsenal's last-minute bid.
• Spurs are now focusing on Morgan Rogers, who has emerged as a key young talent.
• Aston Villa is likely to demand £80 million for Rogers, significantly more than they were willing to pay for Eze.
• Rogers has made a substantial impact at Villa with 18 goal contributions last season.
• Tottenham are also considering other midfield options, including Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

The Eze Saga: A Last-Minute Hijack

Tottenham appeared set to finalise a deal for Eberechi Eze, a player they had targeted as a marquee signing for manager Thomas Frank. However, with Arsenal's unexpected interest reignited by an injury to their own player, Kai Havertz, the Gunners quickly reached an agreement with Palace for Eze. This turn of events has left Spurs scrambling to find suitable alternatives before the transfer window closes.

Why Morgan Rogers?

In light of the Eze setback, Spurs have turned their attention to Morgan Rogers. Since joining Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024, Rogers has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League. His versatility allows him to play across various midfield positions, making him an appealing option for Tottenham as they seek to enhance their attacking options.

Rogers' Impressive Performance

During the last season, Rogers recorded an impressive 18 goal contributions for Villa, showcasing his ability to both score and assist. This performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has also attracted interest from other top clubs, including Chelsea. Rogers signed a new contract with Villa in November 2022, which runs until the summer of 2030, indicating the club's commitment to retaining him despite the interest from other teams.

Transfer Fee and Negotiations

Villa's strong position in the transfer market means they are under no pressure to sell Rogers. Following the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £40 million, Villa are reportedly looking to secure a hefty fee for the 23-year-old, potentially in the region of £80 million. This figure is significantly higher than the £60 million Spurs were prepared to offer for Eze, placing additional pressure on Tottenham to negotiate effectively.

Other Targets for Tottenham

Aside from Rogers, Tottenham are also exploring other midfield options. Reports suggest they are considering a move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, while a bid for Manchester City winger Savinho remains a possibility. These moves reflect Spurs' commitment to strengthening their squad as they look ahead to the season.

Managerial Insights

Manager Thomas Frank has acknowledged the need for squad improvement. He stated, “We are looking of course in the market. Not only for the 10 position but just to see if we can strengthen the squad. The players we are looking at are only players we think can improve the squad.” This proactive approach indicates that Spurs are keen on securing the right talent to bolster their chances this season.

What Happens Next?

As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Tottenham's pursuit of Morgan Rogers could unfold rapidly. If negotiations progress well, Spurs may have to act quickly to secure a deal that meets Villa's valuation. Alternatively, they may be forced to consider other targets if they cannot reach an agreement in time.

Conclusion

The recent developments in Tottenham's pursuit of new talent highlight the unpredictable nature of the transfer market. With Arsenal's last-minute hijack of Eze, Spurs now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement in a limited timeframe. The pursuit of Morgan Rogers signifies the club's commitment to enhancing their midfield options, but whether they can meet Aston Villa's demands remains to be seen.

As the transfer window closes, fans will be eager to see if Tottenham can secure the reinforcements needed to compete effectively this season. Will they succeed in landing Morgan Rogers, or will they be forced to look elsewhere? #TottenhamHotspur #MorganRogers #TransferMarket

FAQs

Who is Morgan Rogers?

Morgan Rogers is a 23-year-old midfielder who plays for Aston Villa. He has gained recognition for his impressive performances in the Premier League, contributing significantly to his team's scoring last season.

How much is Tottenham willing to pay for Rogers?

Reports suggest that Tottenham may need to pay around £80 million to secure Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, significantly higher than their intended offer for Eberechi Eze.

Why did Tottenham lose out on Eberechi Eze?

Tottenham's bid for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal, who managed to negotiate a deal with Crystal Palace just hours after Spurs appeared close to finalising the transfer.

What other players are Tottenham interested in?

In addition to Morgan Rogers, Tottenham are reportedly considering moves for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Manchester City winger Savinho as they look to strengthen their squad.

What is the current contract situation for Morgan Rogers?

Morgan Rogers signed a new contract with Aston Villa in November 2022, which lasts until the summer of 2030, solidifying his importance to the club.