Arsenal are set to bid for Morgan Rogers, GIVEMESPORT understands. Talks are already underway on the player side and Aston Villa are aware of Arsenal's interest with initial club-to-club contact having already taken place.
Rogers is Arsenal's number one target this summer and the pursuit of the England attacker is not affected by the imminent arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
Talks are expected to accelerate following the World Cup in which Rogers made six appearances and got an assist in the semi-final as England lost 2-1 to Argentina.
Rogers keen to make Arsenal move this summer
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring vs Manchester Unitedvia Reuters
GMS understands Rogers is open to a move to Arsenal. He committed his future to Aston Villa last year, adding an extra-year to his deal which now runs until 2031.
Back then, Aston Villa were seeking at least £80million, but that number has likely risen given Rogers' superb 2025/26 season, in which he scored in the Europa League Final as Aston Villa beat Freiburg 3-0. The inflated market will also allow Aston Villa to point to other high-profile deals. Villa's starting point is to now value Rogers at well in excess of £100million. Arsenal's starting point is expected to be less.
Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG have all looked at Rogers, whom former player Robbie Mustoe described as "one of the best midfielders in the world" as well.
Arsenal are set to be busy in the coming weeks with a formal move for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes also expected to be made. The Gunners also have Julian Alvarez on their radar. The Atletico Madrid striker has made it clear he favours a move to Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid don't wish to sell, but could be more inclined to change that position if a non-LaLiga club meets their valuation. Real Madrid have already claimed to have made a €150million offer, but their statement confirming this angered Atletico Madrid. Sources have told GMS the Alvarez bid was more for show and that Real would rather put that budget on Michael Olise, even though Bayern remain adamant they won't sell the French winger.
Other signings Mikel Arteta is interested in
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
via Reuters
Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil had made it clear today that Julian Alvarez is not for sale, speaking via club channels.
"My opinion is clear," he said. "The club's will is clear. We have made this clear to the player and his agent, and to the president of Barcelona. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place in the world for Julian, and Julian is the perfect striker for Atlético de Madrid. We want to keep him.
"I heard some statements from the Barcelona president [Joan Laporta] saying his offer wasn't open-ended. Our response is indeed open-ended: we don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million."
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal also appreciate Bradley Barcola, but Liverpool are more active as it stands. PSG are hoping to close deals for both Yan Diomande and Maghnes Akliouche and if they add one or both attackers, the door could open for Barcola to leave, even though right now PSG insist he is not for sale. Yet an exit can't be discounted given Barcola is no closer to signing a new contract at PSG and is seeking more regular minutes.
Arsenal are also admirers of Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi who, like Alex Scott, the south coast club are hoping to keep for at least one more season.
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