Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa: €60m Deal Set to Force Morgan Rogers Exit

Aston Villa have struck a club-record agreement to sign Swiss sensation Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, a move that could trigger Morgan Rogers' departure from Villa Park this summer. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who lit up the 2026 FIFA World Cup with five goal contributions in just four appearances, is set to join Unai Emery’s side for a fee exceeding €60 million. insider has confirmed the deal is in place. Manzambi was a driving force for Freiburg last season, helping them reach the Europa League final, where they fell 3-0 to Villa — his soon-to-be employers. He becomes Villa’s second signing of the window after LASK defender Modou Keba Cisse, but his arrival has major implications for the squad. Both Manzambi and Rogers thrive as No. 10s in Emery’s 4-4-1-1 system, making it difficult for them to coexist in the starting XI. Rogers, 23, delivered 16 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games last term and has attracted serious interest. Arsenal are pushing hardest, with Mikel Arteta eager to bring the England international to the Emirates ahead of Leandro Trossard’s expected departure to Besiktas. Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked. Villa have been reluctant to sell Rogers and have reportedly set an asking price north of €120 million. However, committing a club-record fee to Manzambi — who will be expected to play a central role — suggests the Midlands club may be preparing to cash in on their homegrown star. Arsenal are currently the frontrunners for Rogers, who could become the Gunners’ most expensive signing ever if a deal goes through before the window closes.