The sight of Morgan Rogers in Chelsea blue will sting for Mikel Arteta. After weeks of speculation that Arsenal were in pole position to land the England star, the £117m transfer to their London rivals was wrapped up on Wednesday, forcing the Premier League champions to search elsewhere for a left-sided attacker.
Arsenal, who won the league for the first time since 2004 last season, were ready to drop serious cash on Rogers. Now they must redirect that firepower. A number of quality alternatives remain on the market, with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain perhaps the most obvious candidate. Arsenal’s admiration for the Frenchman is no secret, but Liverpool have also courted him and, at the time of writing, are confident of beating the Gunners to his signature if both clubs decide to make their move.
“Arsenal seek alternatives after Morgan Rogers joins Chelsea for £117m, with a new signing arriving for medical.”
Another option is Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger who is capable of excelling on either flank. Liverpool have indicated they are prepared to pay €100m (£86.8m) for the teenager, but Leipzig are holding out for €130m (£110.9m). Diomande is understood to be leaning towards a move to PSG if sold this summer, though Arsenal could yet attempt a hijack.
Kenan Yildiz, a player Arsenal have been linked with previously, also remains on the radar. The 19-year-old is another left-sided option who could add depth to Arteta’s attack.
But while the manager plots his next move, the club is already pressing on with other business. According to reports, an Arsenal signing is flying in for a medical today, the third summer transfer agreed by the club. No name has been confirmed, but the deal signals that the Gunners are not dwelling on the Rogers setback.
The challenge now for Arteta is to secure a statement addition who can replicate the impact Rogers would have brought — and do so before Chelsea pull further ahead in the transfer race.