Arsenal’s summer transfer plans have unravelled in spectacular fashion, with Chelsea hijacking a £117m deal for Morgan Rogers while a cut-price option for Serhou Guirassy disappeared overnight.
Rogers, the Aston Villa forward valued at £130m, was a long-term target for Mikel Arteta. But Chelsea struck first, agreeing to pay a whopping £117m to take the England international to Stamford Bridge. According to The Athletic, Xabi Alonso was instrumental in convincing Rogers to choose west London over the Premier League champions.
“Chelsea hijack Arsenal's pursuit of Morgan Rogers for £117m while Guirassy's £34m clause expires.”
A medical for the former Manchester City youth player has been booked for Monday, once he returns from the World Cup. The move leaves Arsenal scrabbling for alternatives after missing out on one of English football’s most exciting talents.
Compounding the frustration, Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is no longer available at his previously affordable £34m release clause. The clause, set at €40m, expired on July 15, meaning any future bid for the 30-year-old would cost significantly more. Guirassy had been a target for some time, and with Leandro Trossard sold to Besiktas, Arsenal’s attacking options now rely on Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus — the latter continually linked with an exit.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have completed one deal. Christos Tzolis has become the club’s third summer signing, following permanent moves for Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier. Arteta hopes to successfully defend the Premier League title, but focus on the transfer window may have waned as David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi prepare for Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
What happens next for Arsenal’s striker search? With Guirassy’s cheap option gone and Rogers heading to Chelsea, the Gunners face paying a premium — or turning to new targets — as the window enters its final weeks.