Arsenal news: £85m Morgan Rogers strategy emerges after massive transfer bid rejected

Arsenal are closely pursuing Aston Villa’s star man Morgan Rogers – with Mikel Arteta hatching a plan to convince the England international to move to the Emirates

Arsenal’s summer dealings have not yet taken off, with Mikle Arteta still basking in the Gunners’ first Premier League title in over two decades last month.

Arteta is committed to pursuing top-tier additions, particularly in attacking positions, while Josh Kroenke insists that the Premier League champions must not rest on their laurels. All signs point towards another summer of significant spending.

A central midfielder, winger and striker are believed to be high on the agenda. For the time being, the World Cup 2026 seems to have put most clubs’ transfer dealings on hold. Now, Daily Star Sport looks two of the latest transfer developments concerning the north London outfit.

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Morgan Rogers transfer strategy

Arsenal are allegedly using Declan Rice’s influence in an attempt to persuade Morgan Rogers to finalise a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Rogers is currently with England for the World Cup, alongside Arsenal’s own Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, reports the Mirror.

Arteta views the Aston Villa midfielder as a key target and an improvement on his current left-wing alternatives. And The Daily Mail claims that Rice specifically is leveraging his friendship with Rogers to sway his thinking regarding a potential summer switch.

Unai Emery’s team have made it plain Rogers remains integral to their plans ahead of their Champions League return. However, it’s suggested both Arsenal and Chelsea would be prepared to negotiate a deal worth approximately £85m.

The report indicates Rogers is receptive to a switch to the Emirates Stadium and will consider what the Premier League title holders can put forward.

Sandro Tonali surprise

Newcastle were apparently caught off guard by Tottenham’s approach for Sandro Tonali, having previously only entertained discussions about his potential departure to Arsenal or Manchester City this summer.

The Magpies turned down an £80m bid from Spurs for their Italian maestro 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 understood to be the first outfit to submit a concrete proposal for the 26-year-old. This follows weeks after Fabrizio Romano disclosed that Arsenal had made enquiries to gauge Tonali’s availability.

The central midfielder emerged as a transfer possibility towards the close of the January window, when Arsenal were informed of his openness to a departure.