Arsenal are surely now in pole position to land Morgan Rogers after fresh transfer 'update'
Arsenal's interest in Morgan Rogers is only set to accelerate after they received a transfer setback.
Spanish outlet Cadena Ser report that Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has no intentions of joining Arsenal this summer, with the 26-year-old not interested in moving to London.
Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his attack this summer, and Alvarez was seen as a target having had experience in the Premier League previously with Manchester City.
A deal for Alvarez could have cost Arsenal over £100million, with Atletico keen to keep the Uruguayan at the club, but it frees up room for the Gunners to sign Rogers.
Rogers contributed 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League across the 2025-26 campaign, and the 23-year-old would add a goal threat and extra creativity from either the number 10 role or the left flank.
Arsenal leading Morgan Rogers race
With Aston Villa desperate to keep Rogers at the club, Arsenal will have to pay up to £100m to agree a deal.
Arsenal have spent over £900m in the transfer market since Arteta was appointed manager in 2019, and without player sales, there was limited prospect of the Gunners being able to afford both Alvarez and Rogers in this window.
As Football Insider reported, Arsenal are now odds-on to sign Rogers, and fend off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich for his signature.
Signing Rogers would be a statement of intent from Arteta, and signal Arsenal's aim of competing for trophies again next season following their Premier League title success.
Which players could be sold to fund Morgan Rogers' arrival?
If Arsenal sign Rogers then his arrival would be expected to impact winger Gabriel Martinelli, and midfielder Martin Odegaard, the most.
Both players have been linked with moves away from north London this summer, alongside striker Gabriel Jesus, and right-back Ben White.
Arsenal have no players whose contract will expire at the end of the month, meaning Arteta is not braced for any imminent departures to free up space in the wage bill.
The Spaniard has previously shown a ruthless streak when offloading first‑team players, and his judgement will again be central to any deals being completed.