Sky Sports shares Martin Baturina’s Aston Villa update after Croatia’s goal against England

Aston Villa will soon face one of the biggest decisions of their summer if interest in Morgan Rogers continues to grow, and they identify a World Cup star who could replace him.

The Englishman has emerged as one of Europe’s leading attacking players after another outstanding campaign.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Rogers in recent weeks and continue to praise his ability to play in multiple attacking positions, while Chelsea have also made no secret of their interest.

Reports have suggested that the Blues have tried several times to convince Rodgers that Stamford Bridge is the right place for the next stage of his career, but he is opting for a move to Arsenal right now.

European champions PSG are another club keeping an eye on the development, with Luis Enrique’s side understood to be keen on the Villa star as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

Villa have always been publicly relaxed, but whenever a player attracts the attention of other big European clubs, contingency plans become important.

Unai Emery’s side are believed to value their star creator at around £80-100 million, so any club would have to splash the cash on one of England’s rising stars.

Rogers signed a new £120,000-a-week deal that runs until 2031 in November last year, so NSWE hold all the cards.

If the 23-year-old leaves, Emery will need an heir, which is why new reports from Italy about Martin Baturina are intriguing.

Aston Villa are eyeing Croatia star Martin Baturina after a bid was reportedly rejected

Baturina found the back of the net against England during Croatia’s 4-2 World Cup defeat against the Three Lions on Wednesday night, once again showing a level that has attracted the attention of the entire country.

The goal served as another reminder of his ability to deliver in the big moments.

According to Sky Italia, Aston Villa are still interested in the talented player, while Man United are also interested after Leeds tried to sign him.

Bayern Munich are also making inquiries about the Como striker, and Sky say the Italians have already made a £43m bid for him.

Interestingly, the report comes after previous claims from La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month that Villa had tested the waters with a bid.

That proposal was said to be worth between £43 million and £48 million. However, it wasn’t enough to convince his current club to sell, and Baturina believes he carries a value closer to £69 million.

That huge asking price shows his talent and long-term potential.

Baturina is capable of operating as a traditional number ten, a deep-lying player or even in wide attacking roles when needed.

That flexibility would make him a perfect fit for Emery’s system.

Should Rogers eventually leave Villa Park, Baturina would represent a similar replacement given their similar roles.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will emulate the quality of the Englishman.

Baturina bagged eight goals and four assists in 34 appearances under Cesc Fàbregas at Como last term, with the bulk of those numbers coming during the January transfer window.

However, football scouts such as Ben Mattinson have called the player a ‘top talent’ and ‘creative genius’, so he could be one to watch if NSWE can’t afford to pay a big fee.