footballtransfers.com

How Arsenal would line up with Morgan Rogers

1 Jun 2026 10:01 BST | 5 min read

Morgan Rogers, Arsenal

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Arsenal are set to spend big yet again during the 2026 summer transfer window as they look to build on a hugely successful season that saw them win the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years.

However, the Gunners fell to an agonising 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday evening, and head coach Mikel Arteta urged the club’s hierarchy to back him in the market after the game.

It’s understood that stars such as Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli could all be sold to raise funds this summer, with a fairly sizable squad overhaul planned as Arsenal look to finally win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The Gunners have missed out on top target Anthony Gordon, who has joined Barcelona for €80 million, but FootballTransfers has now been informed that a move for Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers is already being explored" 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">FootballTransfers has now been informed that a move for Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers is already being explored.

The England international registered 27 goal contributions in 55 games last season and he has emerged as a priority target for Arsenal, who are keen to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Arsenal could line up if they sign Rogers this summer.

How Arsenal could line up with Morgan Rogers

Arsenal’s success in 2025-26 was built on immense defensive stability, and Arteta will have no intention of breaking up his reliable backline over the summer.

As such, David Raya will retain his place as the Gunners’ preferred goalkeeper, while a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie is expected to be favoured again next term. The latter arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but Arsenal are set to sign him permanently for a fee of €52m.

Academy starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly found himself on the outside looking in for the vast majority of the 2025-26 season, but he forced his way into the starting XI in a midfield role during the latter stages of the campaign after taking the place of Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international will likely play a prominent role again next season, however it is now Lewis-Skelly’s position to lose. He is set to partner England team-mate Declan Rice in midfield, with the ex-West Ham United star among the best in the world at the moment.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka is expected to retain his place as Arsenal’s favoured right winger. The 24-year-old endured a difficult season, but he remains one of the best attackers in world football and Arteta will be hopeful that his star forward can return to his best next year.

Arsenal want to sign Morgan Rogers this summer

The possible signing of Rogers will have major consequences for the remainder of Arsenal’s forwards, with club captain Martin Odegaard potentially in danger of losing his place in the No.10 position. That is where Rogers is best and the Norwegian’s form over the past 12 months suggests that he may need replacing.

However, Arteta is a huge fan of Odegaard and he will therefore likely utilise Rogers in a left wing berth, with Leandro Trossard being demoted to a back-up role, along with fellow attackers Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.

Kai Havertz is likely to lead the line once again, if he stays fully fit.

Arsenal starting XI with Morgan Rogers

GK: David Raya

RB: Jurrien Timber

CB: William Saliba

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes

LB: Piero Hincapie

CM: Myles Lewis-Skelly

CM: Declan Rice

RW: Bukayo Saka

CAM: Martin Odegaard

LW: Morgan Rogers

ST: Kai Havertz