Arsenal are in Premier League action on Sunday as they host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Malick Fofana of Sunderland arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Sunderland at Gtech Community Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Malick Fofana was reportedly offered to Arsenal before joining Sunderland(Image: Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
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The summer transfer window has shut, and Arsenal will now turn their attention to on-field matters. The Gunners will get a feel for how well their business has set them up for the new season when they take on high-flying Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium
It was a quiet end to the window for Mikel Arteta. While he didn't make any more additions to his squad after landing Ezri Konsa on August 21, there was time for a flurry of late exits headlined by Gabriel Martinelli's move to Al-Hilal.
The Gunners have had the upper hand over Chelsea of late, with their last defeat against the Blues coming in August 2021. However, they will be without one, if not both, of the scorers from their last meeting, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber at different stages of the comeback trail after injury.
The window might be shut, but our focus today is on two players who might have ended up in North London in different circumstances. Here are our latest lines.
Fofana opens up after deadline day drama
Malick Fofana was also touted for a switch to Arsenal, but instead completed a move to Sunderland on deadline day. Crystal Palace briefly threatened to hijack the deal, while Arsenal's hesitation allowed others to battle it out for the Belgian international.
Arsenal were reportedly offered the chance to sign Fofana during the final week of the window after it became clear Julian Alvarez wouldn't be moving to North London. The Gunners declined to pursue a permanent transfer, though, leaving the 21-year-old champing at the bit as he prepares to take his Premier League chance.
"I spoke with a lot of people before coming here and they gave me the feeling they really wanted me," Fofana said after joining Sunderland. "It's been a busy 48 hours, but I can't wait to get going. I've already played in the Europa League and I hope I can bring that experience here."
Rogers reminder sent
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Morgan Rogers of Chelsea during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Morgan Rogers ended up at Chelsea after Arsenal links(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
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Arsenal were among the contenders for Morgan Rogers before the England international eventually secured a record-breaking move to Chelsea. Rogers has already made an impact in West London and has a chance to show the Gunners what they're missing.
Arsenal brought in Christos Tzolis at the start of the window but failed to secure another left-sided attacker while letting others leave. To make things worse, Rogers has hit the ground running and earned praise from Blues boss Xabi Alonso
"For sure, Morgan was a big, big one to get a player of his stature - in the present and future. He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He's had a great impact," Alonso said.