Chelsea completed the summer's biggest transfer so far on Wednesday, landing England star Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a record £117m fee. The move, which saw the Blues outflank Arsenal for the 24-year-old, has triggered a swift response from Mikel Arteta's side: the Gunners are now set to step up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Guimaraes has become Arteta's priority after the Rogers hijack, according to Standard Sport. Newcastle expect an Arsenal bid for the Brazilian midfielder, though the Magpies remain adamant their skipper is not for sale. The situation echoes last summer's Alexander Isak saga, when Newcastle held firm despite Arsenal interest. However, the £117m Chelsea paid for Rogers may have reset market expectations.
“Arsenal are preparing a bid for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes after Chelsea completed a record £117m deal for Morgan Rogers.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United are considering a €60m (£51m) bid for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, per reports in France. The Red Devils have already reinforced their midfield this summer, signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but remain linked with a new full-back such as Lewis Hall or Neco Williams. United also face a blow, though the nature of the setback was not specified in reports.
Marcus Rashford continues to attract interest despite returning to Manchester United after a release clause expired. Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to be plotting moves for the 28-year-old, according to the i.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has moved to quash exit speculation, stating that Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker will both remain at Anfield. The Reds are still in the chase for Yan Diomande as they look to add to their squad.
At Stamford Bridge, Morgan Rogers revealed that Cole Palmer is very happy to be linking up with him again. The pair came through youth football together and will now be reunited at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso. Rogers credited a conversation with Alonso for convincing him to join the Blues over Arsenal — a conversation that may ultimately push the Gunners into a decisive move for Guimaraes.