Who Arsenal could sign after Morgan Rogers hijack as major transfer targeted | OneFootball

Gunners need to make a summer splash after being outflanked by Chelsea

In January 2023, the Gunners pushed to sign Mykhailo Mudryk until Chelsea swooped in and snatched the winger away from them.

Arsenal swiftly turned their attention to Leandro Trossard, bringing him in for barely a third of the fee. That particular transfer saga ultimately could not have turned out any better for them.

Three-and-a-half years later, Arsenal must again pivot in the transfer market.

There are big decisions for Arsenal to make. They have now started their pre-season training and the new Premier League campaign is only a month away.

The Gunners are expected to complete the signing of Christos Tzolis this week, though he is effectively a replacement for Leandro Trossard.

That deal is separate to a more marquee arrival and Arsenal still remain keen to further strengthen in attack, as well as adding a midfielder and a versatile defender to the squad.

There is money to spend and ambitious plans but the summer has been a largely frustrating one so far, for all there is still plenty of time for that to change.

Arsenal have money to spend and ambitious plans but the summer has been frustrating so far

Arsenal must now move on to other targets and the question is who will emerge as the new priority signing.

There is interest in Bradley Barcola, though that was not formally acted on while the focus was on Rogers. Paris Saint-Germain would demand a massive fee.

Reports suggest that the Gunners are also considering joining the race for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, who is being pursued by PSG and Liverpool.

RB Leipzig are expected to hold firm on their valuation of more than £100m for the 19-year-old and Arsenal could instead use those funds elsewhere.

One option would be to go for a more versatile forward, who could play as a striker and also drift out wide.

Eberechi Eze can play at No10 or as a left winger, as Rogers would have done, and that leaves space for significant investment in a striker.

Julian Alvarez is a dream signing for Arteta and Andrea Berta, with their admiration for the 26-year-old extending well beyond even last summer.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid in this window but he is pushing to join Barcelona.

Atletico have been firm in their stance that they will not sell Alvarez and are particularly adamant he will not be allowed to sign for Barcelona.

That could open the door for Arsenal to move for Alvarez as this summer's big-money signing, but that is far from certain.

Transfer targets: Arsenal have been linked Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez and Yan Diomande

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The Gunners are also considering their options in defence, with William Saliba's fitness key to those plans.

Saliba came off in France's World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain with the same back injury he has been managing for a lengthy period.

There have been some suggestions he could be ruled out for five months, however a final decision on whether he requires surgery has not yet been made.

While Cristhian Mosquera impressed in his first season in England and the likes of Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie can fill in at centre-back, it is no surprise that Arsenal are considering all options.

Ezri Konsa and John Stones have emerged as potential candidates. Arsenal need players ready to hit the ground running if Saliba is facing a lengthy period out and both are up to Premier League speed without the need to adapt.

There is also a versatility there, particularly with Konsa. Ben White and Timber have both had injury problems and Konsa would further strengthen the numbers at right-back.

Berta's approach in the transfer market is no secret. His preference is to enquire about a large number of players, spin those plates and eventually narrow down his focus to top targets once the market has been fully explored.

Arsenal have missed out on Rogers. Now will be the test of whether Berta's tactics can help them quickly move on and make up for that disappointment.