Arsenal suffered a huge setback on Saturday as Aston Villa winger Morgan chose to join London counterparts Chelsea.
The Gunners had earmarked Rogers as their priority target to bolster the left wing and were optimistic of striking an agreement.
However, Chelsea won the race for his signature out of the blue yesterday. They agreed a club-record package worth £117 million for him.
Moreover, the 23-year-old has also been persuaded to join the Blues after a personal chat with new manager Xabi Alonso about his role.
Arsenal fans may point out that £117m is a huge outlay for Rogers’ current ability, but the club have no doubt suffered a massive transfer setback.
Manager Mikel Arteta was eager to bring the Englishman to the Emirates Stadium, and the hierarchy now need to find a proper or better alternative.
Looking at recent targets, Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola comes to mind.
The Frenchman is no longer a guaranteed starter at Les Parisiens due to the fierce competition from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doué on either wing.
On top of this, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande already has a personal agreement with the European champions, and his arrival could also affect Barcola.
Diomande is unlikely to join Luis Enrique’s side without a consistent starting spot, and Barcola may decide to move on, with his contract expiring in less than two years.
The Lyon graduate made 21 goal contributions last campaign, compared to a staggering 42 in 2024/25.
Kvaratskhelia’s arrival in January last year has played some part, given that Barcola has had to play second fiddle to the Georgian in his preferred left-wing role at PSG.
If Barcola becomes available for a transfer, Arsenal could emerge as front-runners to sign him ahead of Liverpool, given they could assure him a starting spot next term.
A second solution could be Diomande, but that largely depends on him changing his stance.
Arsenal have made contact with the player’s representatives regarding the possibility, but as things stand, the Ivorian continues to wait for a potential transfer to Les Parisiens.
Both Barcola and Diomande could cost in excess of £100m this summer.
The Gunners have also been linked with an ambitious swoop for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, given he has yet to renew his contract with Los Blancos beyond June 2027.
Madrid are inclined to sell him for £77m if he does not prolong his stay. Vinicius would instantly become the best left winger in the Premier League due to his world-class traits.
Despite Madrid’s disappointing campaign, Vinicius stood out with 36 goal involvements. He also won six duels per game, while proving a menace in the final third with almost 2.5 dribbles per outing.
Vinicius would be a statement signing, but his wage demands could put him beyond Arsenal’s reach. He is eyeing a net salary of £441,000 per week, which translates to gross wages of £800,000 per week.
Arsenal are unlikely to come anywhere close to meeting such salary requirements. If the Gunners seek another Premier League solution, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford could come into contention.
The Red Devils are seemingly prepared to offload his £300,000 per week salary from their wage bill. His £40m release clause has expired, but they could be prepared to accept a similar proposal.
Rashford had a stellar season on loan at Barcelona with 28 goal contributions. He has vast league experience and his link-up play with Bukayo Saka was exciting to watch at the World Cup.
Arsenal may contemplate a move for the 28-year-old.
The Gunners have put themselves in a difficult situation after Rogers’ snub.
The club have already agreed to sign a left winger in Christos Tzolis, and it remains to be seen whom they pursue next to compete with the Greek. Gabriel Martinelli will likely leave if a marquee left winger arrives.
Stats from Transfermarkt, Capology & Sofascore