Arsenal's summer transfer window is finally accelerating as Mikel Arteta prepares for a potential £150m double raid on Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, while also closing in on a £34m deal for Christos Tzolis.
Tzolis medical booked
Christos Tzolis is set to undergo his Arsenal medical this weekend ahead of a £34m move from Club Brugge. The 24-year-old Greek winger was left out of Brugge's warm-up fixture against Heerenveen on Friday to avoid any injury risk that could jeopardise the transfer. The departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas has increased the need to reinforce Arsenal's frontline, and the deal for Tzolis is expected to be completed shortly.
Double raid on Aston Villa
Arsenal are not expected to slow down after signing Tzolis. Reports indicate that sporting director Andrea Berta is lining up bids for Aston Villa duo Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, both of whom started in England's World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina. Rogers, valued between £100m and £130m, has emerged as Arsenal's priority attacking target. The Gunners have already held talks with the player and Villa, with club-to-club negotiations expected to intensify. Rogers is reportedly keen to join Arsenal, having been persuaded by Arteta's project, and has told Villa he wants to leave. However, Villa are expected to drive a hard bargain.
Defender Ezri Konsa, rated at £50m, is another top target. The 27-year-old England international has two years left on his contract and has not yet agreed a new deal with Villa. His versatility across the backline—capable of playing at centre-back and right-back—would be crucial for Arteta, especially given Arsenal's history of injuries at right-back and the expected absence of William Saliba for several months due to a back problem.
Timing and potential outlay
With England playing France in the World Cup bronze final on Saturday, Arsenal could finally get the green light to progress on both signings. The club has already spent £34.5m on Piero Hincapie and added Illan Meslier as a free agent. If both Rogers and Konsa join, Arsenal's total summer spending could exceed £250m, surpassing last year's club record outlay.
