Mikel Arteta's plans to build on Arsenal's Premier League crown are already picking up pace this summer, despite the 2026 World Cup creating complications for player transfers.
First Summer Addition Imminent
Arsenal are on the verge of completing their first addition of the summer, with Arnaldo Abrantes set to take over as the club's new head doctor. The former Olympic sprinter will replace Dr Zafar Iqbal, who has left after two years at the Emirates. Abrantes, 39, becomes available after leaving Aston Villa at the end of the season, having previously served as Nottingham Forest's head of performance for three years.
The medical department is an area where Arsenal aim to improve after past injury issues. Captain Martin Odegaard was limited to just 16 league starts last season, while Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also missed significant time. The Athletic reports Abrantes will officially start at Arsenal in July, becoming the third doctor to join from Villa in recent months. He represented Portugal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, exiting in the opening rounds.
Morgan Rogers Addresses Transfer Speculation
Another potential signing from Villa, England international Morgan Rogers, has discussed how transfer links have affected his game. The 23-year-old creative midfielder told The Rest Is Football: "The first time it happened, it did impact me. You're in an uncomfortable spot, not realising people have so much interest in you. But as you gain experience, you know 95 per cent is just noise. You hear it, you can't help it, but you have to use it positively and focus on your game."
Rogers is currently in the United States with England for the World Cup 2026, meaning any potential deal is unlikely until the Three Lions exit the tournament. The former Manchester City prospect is contracted at Villa until 2031 and could cost over £80 million.
