UMVA has learned that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has placed Morgan Rogers 'high' on his summer transfer wishlist as he plans to turn Arsenal into back-to-back Premier League champions.
Arteta guided Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years last season, with the Gunners recovering from a worrying blip to eventually finish seven points above Manchester City. The team's success has now set the stage for an exciting title defense.
Rogers, a talented young player from Aston Villa and England, has emerged as a top target for the Gunners. Arsenal has reportedly already held talks with his representatives, and Rogers is said to be 'open' to a move to the new Premier League champions.
Aston Villa is understandably reluctant to part ways with Rogers, but the 23-year-old's desire to join Arsenal could force a deal. Rogers has developed into one of the best players in the Premier League in recent years and looks set to be a key member of England's squad in the World Cup.
A deal for Rogers would likely force at least one member of Arteta's squad out of the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal's longest-serving player, is considered the 'most vulnerable' in that regard, having become an increasingly bit-part player in north London.
Martinelli has made close to 300 appearances for the Gunners since his debut in 2019 but contributed just one Premier League goal last season. The Brazilian's future at Arsenal looks uncertain, and Rogers' potential arrival could signal the end of his time at the club.
While Arsenal is interested in signing Rogers, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is believed to be Arteta's top summer target. Alvarez has scored 49 goals in two seasons since joining Atletico from Manchester City and is seen as an upgrade on Arsenal's £64m summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Alvarez's playing style has drawn praise from football experts, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink saying, 'He's totally different from someone like Gyokeres. I like him, I really like him. He is somebody who obviously scores goals.' Hasselbaink believes Alvarez could thrive in a more attacking team, potentially scoring 30-odd goals per season.
The potential signing of Rogers and Alvarez would significantly bolster Arsenal's squad, but it could also lead to a shake-up of the team's dynamics. As Arteta looks to build on last season's success, the Gunners' fans will be eagerly anticipating the club's summer moves.
