Aston Villa are actively looking for attacking reinforcements amid the uncertainty surrounding Morgan Rogers, with Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier emerging as an option.
Rogers has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park after a brilliant season in which he established himself as one of Unai Emery’s leading attacking players.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested interest from several top Premier League clubs, notably Arsenal and Chelsea, but Villa are now publicly demanding a £130m fee to let him go.
Meanwhile, Villa have also been linked with West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen as they explore possible attacking options if Rogers or other key players leave this summer.
You scored a goal
out of 20
Villa are also under pressure to raise money for new signings in what will be another ‘sale to buy’ summer, according to reliable outlets, despite qualifying for the Champions League.
Bournemouth respond as Aston Villa make Tavernier go close
Instead, attention has now turned to other wide options, with TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reporting that Aston Villa have made a move for Tavernier.
However, according to TT, the Cherries’ current situation is that they are not selling, while Villa have been told they may be looking elsewhere as things stand.
Fulham are also keen on the 27-year-old, and believe he has the qualities to replace Harry Wilson.
|
Football FanCast verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Honesty |
Graeme Bailey has made quite a name for himself as a football broadcast journalist for his work with TEAMtalk and other national football outlets. He is best known for reporting on Premier League transfers and often provides updates based on interviews with agents, scouts and club sources. Some of his specialties were later supported by other respected journalists as transfer news grew, especially during the window rush. However, as with any reporter, not all early leads lead to a done deal. |
|
Finance |
Financially, the move seems affordable but will still require careful planning. Bournemouth are reportedly valuing Tavernier at around £35-40 million, should they agree to sell him, while Aston Villa continue to operate cautiously under the Premier League’s Squad Cost Ratio after previous PSR pressure. A key sale, such as Morgan Rogers, would comfortably finance a transfer, but even without one, Villa could make the deal work with fixed fees and cost reductions instead of a huge upfront fee. |
|
Understanding |
Marcus Tavernier has developed into one of Bournemouth’s most reliable attacking players since joining from Middlesbrough in 2022. In all competitions, he has made more than 120 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 18 assists, while being known for his versatility, tireless work rate and ability to operate in multiple attacking positions. Former Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil also called him a ‘gifted’ attacking player. |
|
Impact |
Tavernier will give Villa great depth and flexibility in midfield. His ability to play on either wing or in midfield would suit Unai Emery’s side, while his pressing, ball handling and creativity will provide strong competition for positions and help manage the team’s load. |
Liverpool and Newcastle are also said to be interested, but both clubs will struggle to convince Bournemouth as Marco Rose looks to lead the way in the new era.
How could Marcus Tavernier get into Villa
Tavernier has become a key figure at Bournemouth, developing into a consistent Premier League player and bagging 11 goals in the top flight last season.
Primarily operating as a wide midfielder, he has also been used in central roles, providing tactical flexibility in the front line and in central midfield positions.
Before moving to the south coast, Tavernier progressed through Middlesbrough’s academy, where he was regarded as one of the club’s most talented young players.
He gained valuable scouting experience there, consistently playing an attacking role and developing the versatility that has become a hallmark of his game.
Villa’s interest appears to be driven by the need for depth and variety in wide areas, especially given the demands placed on players like Rogers in most competitions.
Tavernier’s profile as a hard-working, tactically versatile midfielder makes him a useful option for teams competing in several competitions, where rotation and flexibility are essential.
From a tactical point of view, Tavernier can provide a different dimension to Villa’s attack.
He is capable of operating in any position, drifting inside to support central play, or providing width when needed, which would allow Unai Emery to rotate without losing balance.
In terms of fitness, he wouldn’t be seen as a replacement for Rogers, but someone who could at least score important goals and assist in his place.
With Villa expected to compete again in many competitions, depth in wide areas will be crucial, and Tavernier’s Premier League experience makes him a low-risk option.
Aston Villa are now on the verge of a deal to sign the former Tottenham player
The Villans have made their first signing of the summer…
