Arsenal are reportedly preparing an ambitious new phase of their summer recruitment, with the Premier League champions stepping up plans to sign both Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners have already been active in the transfer market. They secured Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen, brought in goalkeeper Illan Meslier to provide cover for David Raya and recently agreed a €40 million (£34 million) deal to sign Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. Those moves have followed Leandro Trossard’s £17 million switch to Besiktas, creating room for further additions in attack.
Despite landing Tzolis, Arsenal are not slowing down.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reports the club is now preparing an official offer for England international Rogers after holding discussions with both the player and Aston Villa. Club-to-club negotiations are expected to intensify once the FIFA World Cup concludes.
Arsenal reportedly see the pursuit of Rogers as entirely separate from the Tzolis deal, believing both players can strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
The north London club are also willing to listen to offers for Gabriel Martinelli, a move that could further clear the path for Rogers to arrive at the Emirates.
Villa, however, are expected to demand a premium fee for one of their prized assets.
Reports suggest the Midlands club value Rogers at around £130 million, while Arsenal hope negotiations could eventually produce an agreement worth £100 million or less.
At the same time, Arsenal have not abandoned their long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez.
Although the Argentina international has previously made no secret of his desire to join Barcelona, sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to have maintained contact with his former club, Atletico Madrid, as Arsenal continue exploring whether a deal is possible.
Atletico publicly insist they do not want to sell the former Manchester City striker, but reports suggest they would be more willing to negotiate with an overseas club than strengthen a direct La Liga rival. Barcelona have also not ruled out making another attempt to sign Alvarez.
While Alvarez’s contract includes a €500 million release clause, it is understood that certain clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League could negotiate a significantly lower transfer fee.
Arsenal reportedly believe an offer in the region of €130 million (£110 million) could be enough to tempt Atletico into talks if the player becomes available.
The Gunners’ shortlist extends beyond those two marquee names.
Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi remains under consideration, although the Cherries are hoping to keep the highly rated forward for at least another season despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and several other leading clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola also continues to be admired by Arsenal, though Liverpool are currently regarded as the most active club pursuing the French international should PSG decide to sanction a sale.
Arteta is also keen to reinforce other areas of his squad. Arsenal continue to monitor Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes as they look to strengthen midfield, while concerns over William Saliba’s back injury have prompted fresh interest in adding another central defender, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa among the names linked.
If Arsenal succeed in landing both Rogers and Alvarez, it would rank among the biggest transfer statements of the summer as the champions look to build a squad capable of dominating both English and European football.
