00:00Arsenal have intensified their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rodgers, with the Gunners now joining Chelsea in the race
00:08to sign the England international this summer, probably before the World Cup.
00:15Chelsea have been monitoring Rodgers closely for several months and remain strongly interested in securing a deal for the 23
00:24-year-old, whose performances have attracted widespread attention, not just from London, but from other places in Europe as well,
00:32despite Aston Villa qualifying for next season Champions League.
00:36Villa manager Unai Emery is determined to keep Rodgers at Villa Park and views the midfielder as a key part
00:43of his long-term plans.
00:45However, Villa's financial situation could leave the club vulnerable if significant offers arrive during the transfer window.
00:54Chelsea's pursuit has largely been driven by co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields, who has a long-standing
01:02admiration for Rodgers.
01:03Shields previously identified the midfielder during his time at Manchester City, where he helped bring Rodgers into the club's academy
01:11from West Bromwich Albion.
01:14It looks as if Chelsea and Arsenal could be battling it out to build a financial package capable of persuading
01:21Villa to sell, while Arsenal's growing interest threatens to spark a major transfer battle between the two Premier League clubs.
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