Arsenal have already begun shaping their squad for the new season with the recent signing of Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds, a move aimed at strengthening depth in the goalkeeping department amid reports Kepa could leave.
The French stopper arrives after several seasons at Leeds, and his distribution and shot-stopping are expected to fit Mikel Arteta’s style of building from the back.
Leeds-Meslier
Attention is now turning further up the pitch, where Arsenal are preparing a major move for one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking midfielders.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has been heavily linked with a move to north London this window, and their interest is showing zero sign of easing up in the near future.
Arsenal ready opening £72m bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
According to reports from Football Transfers, the Gunners are ready to submit an opening bid of around £72 million for Rogers.
Morgan-Rogers-Villa
The same report claims the player is already very close to agreeing personal terms and is prepared to commit to a five-year deal, suggesting Arsenal have made significant progress behind the scenes.
However, there remains a sizeable gap between the two clubs.
Villa are said to value the ex-Man City and Middlesbrough sensation at around £130 million, reflecting his importance to Unai Emery’s project and his rapid rise over the past two seasons.
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That leaves Arsenal with serious work to do if they are to convince Villa to negotiate.
Rogers has reportedly become a top priority for sporting director Andrea Berta, who is leading Arsenal’s recruitment drive this summer.
Arsenal simply must get Morgan Rogers deal done
His profile fits exactly what the club are targeting: a young, technically gifted attacker who can operate across multiple positions and contribute both goals and creativity.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign with Villa, where his direct running, physical strength and ability to carry the ball through midfield made him one of their most dangerous attacking outlets.
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He has also shown he can perform in high-pressure matches, adding to his appeal for a club aiming to defend their status as champions of England.
For Arsenal, the interest reflects a desire to add more unpredictability in the final third.
While the current squad is strong, there have been moments where breaking down deep defences has proven difficult.
Rogers’ ability to drive forward with the ball and create chances in tight spaces could provide a different dimension.
Morgan-Rogers-Villa
He would be an excellent addition if Arsenal can get anywhere close to a deal, with Rogers bagging an impressive 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season.
The biggest challenge is clearly the fee, but from a football perspective, Rogers looks like a perfect fit for the direction Arsenal are heading.
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