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Transfer Rumours: Arsenal want Igor Thiago as €115m deal edges closer

1 Jun 2026 06:31 BST | 6 min read

Igor Thiago, Transfer Rumours

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 1 June, including the latest updates on Igor Thiago and Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal want Igor Thiago

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified the number nine position as a key area in need of an upgrade and he has earmarked Brentford striker Igor Thiago as a top target, as per IndyKaila" href="https://x.com/indykaila/status/2061015301433471048" target="_blank">IndyKaila.

The Brazil centre forward, who has been selected for the 2026 World Cup, scored 22 Premier League goals for Keith Andrews’ side this season, and Arsenal are among the clubs to have been linked with a move in recent months.

The Gunners hierarchy reportedly rate Thiago extremely highly and they are keen to pursue a deal when the summer window opens in June.

Morgan Rogers to leave Aston Villa

Arsenal and Chelsea target Morgan Rogers is “expected” to leave Aston Villa during the upcoming summer transfer window as Unai Emery’s side look to comply with financial regulations ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners are eager to finalise a deal for the England attacker this summer and they are currently exploring a summer transfer, as revealed by FootballTransfers" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/exclusive-arsenal-plot-blockbuster-morgan-rogers-transfer-after-secret-groundwork" target="_blank">as revealed by FootballTransfers. We understand that Mikel Arteta’s side have already conducted extensive groundwork on a potential deal, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta a keen admirer of the player.

Furthermore, Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Rogers is set to secure a transfer this summer due to Villa’s current situation. He told GiveMeSport" href="https://www.givemesport.com/arsenal-serious-sign-best-player-premier-league-morgan-rogers/" target="_blank">GiveMeSport: “Morgan Rogers is expected to leave Aston Villa.

“This isn't about Rogers pushing for a move away, he loves Unai Emery and Villa have Champions League football but they still have some financial hurdles to jump over even with that extra money.

“Four teams in particular are active. Arsenal are one serious contender, they want a starting left-winger. Chelsea are looking for a creative-minded attacker. Man Utd and Rogers may develop and PSG might be a bit of a dark horse as well.”

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Chelsea consider Jarrod Bowen approach

Chelsea reportedly want to sign West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen this summer as they look to bolster the attacking options available to new manager Xabi Alonso ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Liverpool and Manchester United are both keeping a close eye on his situation at the London Stadium, while Chelsea have also been linked with a summer swoop. In fact, The Independent" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-jarrod-bowen-transfer-news-west-ham-fee-b2986402.html" target="_blank">The Independent now report that Alonso’s side are “weighing up” an approach for Bowen amid their pursuit of significant attacking reinforcements.

The West Ham hierarchy value the England forward at roughly €58 million (£50m), but Chelsea, and other suitors, are reportedly confident that a deal can be finalised for a fee of around €46m (£40m) instead, with West Ham potentially under pressure to sell following their relegation to the second tier.

Bayern Munich join Eli Junior Kroupi race

Arsenal and Chelsea have suffered a blow to their hopes of signing Eli Junior Kroupi after learning Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Bournemouth’s teenage sensation.

Kroupi has established himself as one of the best young players in the world following a remarkable breakthrough season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 times to help the Cherries qualify for next season’s Europa League.

Several top Premier League teams want to sign him this summer, but, according to German publication Absolut Bayern via Merkur" href="https://www.merkur.de/sport/fc-bayern/der-liste-des-fc-bayern-er-ist-ein-offensivjuwel-neuer-name-auf-zr-94327120.html#google_vignette" target="_blank">Absolut Bayern via Merkur, Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern are also interested in signing the France Under-21 international.

Bayern were keen to sign Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon as cover for Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Diaz - who plundered over 100 goals between them this season - but they were pipped to the England star by Barcelona this week.

Eli Junior Kroupi, Bournemouth

Real Madrid eye Declan Rice

Real Madrid officials are reportedly keen for club president Florentino Perez to pursue a deal for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice when the 2026 summer transfer window opens.

That is according to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, who told TEAMtalk" href="https://www.teamtalk.com/news/real-madrid-transfer-news-declan-rice-move-florentino-perez-arsenal-stance" target="_blank">TEAMtalk: “They [Real Madrid] love the thought of Rodri, whilst Florentino Perez is a confirmed admirer of Enzo Fernandez, who has made it clear in previous months that he is keen to leave Stamford Bridge.

“But one name that I have heard is Declan Rice. Some who have the ear of Perez are making it clear to him that they should be making sure Rice is on their radar.”

Rice joined Arsenal for €116.6m in 2023 and the Gunners are widely expected to reject any approaches for his signature this summer, while the England star has indicated no desire to leave either.

Transfer Rumour Round-Up

Man City have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers this summer. (TEAMtalk" href="https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-city/morgan-rogers-transfer-news-city-aston-villa-arsenal-chelsea-race" target="_blank">TEAMtalk))

Man Utd are among the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill. (CaughtOffside" href="https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/05/31/sources-spaniard-release-clause-targeted-man-united/" target="_blank">CaughtOffside))

Arsenal are preparing an opening offer worth €60m for Barcelona star Dani Olmo. (Fichajes" href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/60-meu-juego-dani-olmo-20260531.html" target="_blank">Fichajes))

Leo Scienza is eager to join Leeds United this summer as he looks to leave Southampton following the Spygate saga. (Football Insider" href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/leo-scienza-southampton-star-keen-to-join-leeds-as-mass-exodus-gets-underway/" target="_blank">Football Insider))

Liverpool are pushing hard to finalise a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is expected to cost at least €100m. (TEAMtalk" href="https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/liverpool-yan-diomande-richard-hughes-rb-leipzig" target="_blank">TEAMtalk))