Arsenal are leveraging Declan Rice's influence to persuade Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers to join the Emirates Stadium, according to reports. The Premier League champions view Rogers as a key target to bolster their left-wing options, with an £85m deal potentially on the table.
Rice's Role in Rogers Pursuit
Rogers is currently with England at the World Cup alongside Arsenal stars Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke. The Daily Mail claims Rice is actively using his friendship with Rogers to sway his thinking about a summer move. Mikel Arteta considers Rogers an upgrade on his current left-wing alternatives and has made him a priority.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have made it clear Rogers remains integral to their plans as they prepare for a Champions League return. However, both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly willing to negotiate a deal worth around £85m. The report indicates Rogers is receptive to a switch to the Emirates and will consider what the Premier League title holders can offer.
Arsenal's Summer Spending
Arteta is committed to pursuing top-tier additions, particularly in attacking positions, after Arsenal won their first Premier League title in over two decades last month. Josh Kroenke insists the champions must not rest on their laurels, pointing to another summer of significant spending. A central midfielder, winger, and striker are high on the agenda. The World Cup 2026 has temporarily paused most clubs' transfer dealings.
Sandro Tonali Surprise
Newcastle were caught off guard by Tottenham's approach for Sandro Tonali, having previously only entertained discussions about his departure to Arsenal or Manchester City. The Magpies rejected an £80m bid from Spurs for the Italian midfielder this week. According to The Telegraph, a source revealed that "several clubs had expressed an interest in signing Tonali, but nobody had met their valuation."
Spurs are the first club to submit a concrete proposal for the 26-year-old, following weeks after Fabrizio Romano disclosed that Arsenal had made enquiries to gauge Tonali's availability. The central midfielder emerged as a transfer possibility toward the end of the January window, when Arsenal were informed of his openness to a departure.
