Morgan Rogers talks set to begin, Igor Thiago Arsenal interest and Martin Odegaard decision to be made

Between the World Cup and the summer transfer window, most Gooners are struggling to keep up, so here are the Arsenal transfer murmurs doing the rounds over the weekend.

By Danong 

Arsenal have won the race for Georgian playmaker Andria Bartishvili. The 17-year-old is set to join on a £4.5 million deal, though the switch will not be completed until 30th March next year, when he turns 18. An attacking midfielder capable of featuring as a winger too, he will be Arsenal's other attacking signing of the summer.

While the Bartishvili deal has been agreed, Arsenal insider The Hand of Arsenal has dropped another Morgan Rogers update, claiming talks between Arsenal and Aston Villa are set to kick off. Last week, we covered a report that the playmaker prefers Arsenal among his many suitors, and, according to the insider, personal terms are never going to be an issue in this deal.

Reports have also emerged from Brazil claiming Arsenal want to sign one of the league's most in-form strikers. Apparently, Mikel Arteta has asked for Igor Thiago to strengthen his striking department. The Spaniard is potentially anticipating Gabriel Jesus' exit, and who better to target than the second-best Premier League striker? With 22 goals, Thiago was the second-highest scorer in the league last season. If he can bring those numbers to the Emirates, it will be scary times for Arsenal's rivals.

Beyond Rogers and Thiago, Arsenal have entered the race for Crysencio Summerville. The West Ham winger is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, with offers in the £50 million region suggested as enough to seal a move. A dangerous left winger currently taking the World Cup by storm, Summerville could be a worthy alternative to Rogers.

That said, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel said "There have been some whispers over the summer that Arsenal might be interested in letting Martin Odegaard go for the right price." It will be interesting to see whether that one has legs.

The perfect left-winger to transform Arsenal as Trossard and Martinelli decision made

The left wing is one position Arsenal must finally fix if the ambition is to dominate the Premier League and hold the title hostage.

For the last few summers, the Gunners have entered the transfer window hell-bent on upgrading that wing, but have repeatedly fallen short.

In 2024, they were heavily linked with Nico Williams, but could never strike a deal. Last summer, it was Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo whom they persistently pursued, but also failed to strike a deal.

Rather than landing a natural winger, the English champions ended up signing Eberechi Eze to fill the role. Yet for all his technical brilliance, Eze never truly elevated the position; his best performances as a Gunner came as a number ten.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli did their bit, but both struggled. Watching them, one cannot help but feel Arsenal would be better served upgrading on the pair.

So who can Arsenal turn to?

Morgan Rogers

The Aston Villa talisman has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, with Hand of Arsenal recently claiming he has made clear to Arsenal and his other suitors that he prefers Mikel Arteta's project.

He should be Arsenal's marquee summer signing. Rogers' power, ability to carry the ball and drive into danger areas, whether through dribbles, passes or shots, makes him a genuinely difficult force to contain.

He scored against every Premier League big six side apart from Arsenal. His top-flight experience, goal threat and ability to fashion chances from nothing should make him an instant hit at the Emirates. With the title defence on the line, the Gunners need someone who will hit the ground running from day one.

Crysencio Summerville

Should Rogers not materialise, Arsenal ought to take advantage of Crysencio Summerville being available for £50 million.

Even in a struggling West Ham side, the Dutch international showed he is a technically gifted, direct winger, comfortable on either flank. Those attributes, transferred into a better squad, could produce world-class output capable of taking Arsenal's game to the next level. He managed only five league goals in 31 games last season, but unlock his finishing, and you unleash a different animal entirely.

The chaos he is causing for the Netherlands at the World Cup, with two goals in two games, strongly hints at the threat he could pose to Arsenal's opponents.

Moreover, the fact that PSG, whose winger signings, Desire Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, rarely disappoint, are reportedly asking about him is the ultimate seal of approval. Summerville has every hallmark of the next deadly wide man.

Bradley Barcola

The PSG winger is another outstanding left-wing option on Arsenal's radar and arguably the finest true winger available among those linked with the club. His end product can be erratic, but the goals are there, 11 in 29 Ligue 1 appearances, and he brings incredible transition threat alongside a blistering burst of pace in 1v1 situations.

Should Arteta get to work on his finishing, Barcola could become a devastating attacking asset. The issue, unlike Rogers or Summerville, is that he may need time to adapt.

If Arsenal can land any of the three, the left-wing issue is resolved. However, that would likely trigger further movement; one of their current wide options would probably need to make way.

Trossard is the most logical departure. He is entering the final phase of his career, and with Besiktas reportedly keen, moving him on makes sense.

Martinelli, still with years ahead of him, can stay and provide cover for whoever Arsenal bring in.

Further down the line, when youngsters like Jeremy Monga, tipped to sign from Leicester, are ready to step into a key role, Martinelli's future can be reassessed. Whether that means a positional reinvention at striker or left-back, or ultimately a sale, the Brazilian has options. For now, though, he remains a useful asset.

Arsenal's Monga bid, Morgan Rogers decision and Bartishvili contract offer

By Danong 

The summer transfer window is in full flow, and as a Gooner, here is what the grapevine has served up.  

Arsenal have finally submitted their first bid for Leicester’s teenage sensation, Jeremy Monga. The hope was to swiftly close the deal, given the attacker’s eagerness to sign for the Gunners, but they remain his first choice despite interest from several big clubs. Yet Leicester have rejected the opening offer, seemingly trying to delay the inevitable. Arsenal are expected to return with another bid.  

It isn’t just Monga who is sold on joining Arsenal. Morgan Rogers, too, has set his sights on North London. According to an insider, The Hand of Arsenal, Rogers has chosen Arsenal as his preferred destination. Even Chelsea and Manchester United, his other serious suitors, are aware of his leaning towards Mikel Arteta’s project. What remains now is for Arsenal and Aston Villa to agree terms.  

A deal for Rogers looks increasingly likely, though the Gunners also hold a £40 million option to sign Marcus Rashford.

Barcelona failed to activate their £26 million option to make his loan permanent, leaving the United winger’s £40 million release clause open for Arsenal to trigger. Intriguingly, Liverpool and Manchester City cannot activate it. Rashford’s name has surfaced in Arsenal conversations, and it will be fascinating to see if interest turns into a concrete approach.  

Meanwhile, Arsenal will make a pre‑contract offer for Georgia Under‑21 international Andria Bartishvili. As BBC’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners want to bring the playmaker to the Emirates, even though the race is far trickier, with other clubs also in pursuit of the 17‑year‑old.  

And beyond transfers, today brings the release of Premier League fixtures. Word on the street is that the Gunners will open their title defence against Coventry.

Arsenal push ahead with Tzolis and Bouaddi deals, Gibbs-White links refuse to fade, as Real Madrid's plan A rejected by Arsenal player

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Watching Gabriel Magalhaes carry Brazil's defence against Morocco, brace hero Kai Havertz light up Germany's attack, and Viktor Gyokeres score for fun at the World Cup must have seen you miss some transfer rumours doing the rounds at Arsenal.

Well, here they are.

Links to Ayyoub Bouaddi have come in thick and fast, fuelled, no doubt, by the masterclass he dropped against Brazil in Morocco's World Cup opener. The Times are reporting that Arsenal have initiated talks with the midfielder's entourage, looking to sign the 18-year-old, while Sacha Tavolieri adds that the Gunners are "convinced of their ability to rival PSG for the Morocco international's signature."

Lille want around €70 million (£60m) for the midfield prodigy.

Beyond the Moroccan midfielder, Arsenal are also eyeing deadly Greek winger Christos Tzolis. The Club Brugge man was such a hit last season: 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 games, and is now seen as a potential replacement for Leandro Trossard, who is tipped to join Besiktas.

David Ornstein is reporting that Arsenal are pushing to strike a deal, hoping to land the Greek international for £34.5 million.

In addition to Bouaddi and Tzolis, links to Morgan Gibbs-White have not gone away. He is seen as someone who could offer the X-factor in attack: the creativity and goal threat between the lines that Arteta has long craved. 

Much will depend on Forest's stance of not wanting their two best players (the other is Elliot Anderson) leaving in the same season. Arteta will also have his work cut out to convince the Kroenkes that he needs an additional number 10 when Odegaard is there but also Eze who was bought for big money.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an interesting update that will have Arsenal talking. Before striking a deal with Chelsea for Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid had approached Ricardo Calafiori in a bid to lure him to the Bernabeu. He turned them down flat; the Italian firmly sees his future at the North London club. Arteta's project is certainly where everyone wants to be.

Bid for Galatasaray winger, Nico Williams hope, Hincapie wanted in Madrid, Nwaneri going to London rival?

By Danong 

The World Cup finally kicked off, with Arsenal well represented on the grand stage. While all eyes are on which Gunners can drive their nations to glory, some supporters may lose sight of the transfer stories bubbling away in the background.

We have got you covered. Here is what the rumour mill has churned out over the past few days:

Corriere della Sera report that Arsenal are tracking AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone. Initial contacts have been made with the player’s entourage, though no formal bid has yet gone in. That could change soon, with an offer expected to follow.  

Elsewhere, Teamtalk claim the Gunners have rekindled their interest in the pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. For years, Williams has been packaged as the dream addition on the left flank. Arsenal were so keen to sign him last summer, but then the Spaniard opted to commit to a long‑term deal at San Mames. But after a tricky 2025–26 campaign, Williams is now said to be weighing his options, with reports suggesting he would be "open to testing himself in the Premier League if the right opportunity arises."

Should Williams prove elusive again, Fanatik in Turkey suggests Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz is another winger on Arsenal’s radar, with a €50 million (£43m) bid expected to be tabled.  

Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri’s future appears to be drifting away from Arsenal. Chelsea insider Alex Goldberg has revealed: “Chelsea are definitely interested in Arsenal attacking mid Ethan Nwaneri. They had interest last summer and have now renewed it.”  

It is not only Nwaneri attracting attention. Arsenal’s push to make Piero Hincapie’s move permanent may face competition, with Siro Lopez reporting that Real Madrid have been blown away by the South American defender and are closely monitoring his situation.

Real Madrid have met with Calafiori’s agent

 By 1970s Gooner

Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defensive line, and one of the players on their radar is Riccardo Calafiori.

According to transfer expert Nicolò Schira, both the people at Real Madrid and José Mourinho highly rate the Italian defender's abilities. As a result, the Spanish club are ready to begin talks with Arsenal regarding his transfer.

In fact, representatives of Real Madrid have already met with Calafiori's agent, and the negotiations are expected to progress in the near future.

Real Madrid are talking to Calafiori's agent and will make their move soon

 By 1970s Gooner

Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defensive line, and one of the players on their radar is Riccardo Calafiori.

According to transfer expert Nicolò Schira, both the people at Real Madrid and José Mourinho highly rate the Italian defender's abilities. As a result, the Spanish club are ready to begin talks with Arsenal regarding his transfer.

In fact, representatives of Real Madrid have already met with Calafiori's agent, and the negotiations are expected to progress in the near future.

Transfer centre: Plan for Mbemba, Alvarez decision, Gibbs-White if not Rogers

By Danong 

While all attention turns to how some Arsenal players will fare at the World Cup, that is not all that is keeping Gooners busy this summer.

With it being transfer season, talk of who Arsenal might sign is equally exciting.

Here are the moves Arsenal are reportedly working on from the weekend.

Arsenal are eyeing PSG under-19 captain Emmanuel Mbemba. The club have established contact with the defender, with a deal set to be pursued this summer. Apparently, with Nuno Mendes blocking his pathway at the club, Mbemba wants out of Paris.

An Arsenal insider claims the plan is to sign Mbemba and loan him out, much like what happened with William Saliba. The Gunners rarely get it wrong with defensive signings, and the PSG prodigy has impressed Arsenal's data team so much so that they see him as a must-have.

The 18-year-old could be signed for just over £150k in training compensation money when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Beyond Mbemba, Arsenal are also eyeing Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White. Apparently, the Forest attacker, who managed 18 goals and six assists in all competitions last season, is Arsenal's plan B should they fail to sign Morgan Rogers.

As of the weekend, there had been little development on Arsenal's Rogers bid.

Meanwhile, while Andrea Berta would have hoped to add Julian Alvarez to those potential signings, that may not be the case, according to Cadena SER. Should Alvarez leave Atletico Madrid, he only wants to join Barcelona.

If not Alvarez, the English champions could turn to Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi. The latest on that pursuit is that Arsenal would have to pay £86 million to land him. The Cherries are in a strong position to hold firm on that valuation, with several top clubs circling the Frenchman. It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal have that kind of money to spend.

Transfer centre: £80m Fernandes tag, Monga agreement reached, direct Rogers contact

By Danong 

After three attempts under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have finally laid their hands on the Premier League title.

The boys in red and white are English champions at last. Lifting the league should have quenched the Gunners' thirst, yet a taste for glory only makes you yearn for more.

Arsenal will now look to establish themselves as a force and hold the 'champions' status hostage for years to come. To do that, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal decision-makers must ensure they have the very best at the club.

On those lines, here are the players Arsenal have been linked with over the past few days:

Jeremy Monga

The Leicester wonderkid is tipped to leave the club this summer. The teen sensation, known for his blistering pace, elite dribbling ability, and versatility across the front line, had top Premier League clubs calling. However, it is Arsenal who have won the race. Personal terms have been agreed, as per an Arsenal insider, and all that remains is a club-to-club agreement for the 16-year-old.

Mateus Fernandes

Arsenal are among the top clubs linked with the Portuguese midfielder who made such a big impression at West Ham United last season. The race remains wide open, with The Athletic suggesting that whoever is willing to splash £80 million stands in the best position to land him. Fernandes' rare blend of elite technical control, positional versatility, and gritty defensive work rate is precisely what Arsenal want to inject into their engine room.

Sandro Tonali

On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano spoke about Arsenal's interest in Sandro Tonali persists, though Manchester City could yet emerge as competition. Should City fail in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson, they are expected to turn their attention to Tonali.

Rafael Leao and Morgan Rogers 

There have also been reports that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger is set to leave AC Milan in search of a fresh start, and Arsenal could provide exactly that if the Gunners take up the option.

That said, the most exciting transfer news of the week comes again from Romano, who claims Arsenal have made direct contact in their bid to sign Morgan Rogers. Arsenal are keen on securing a deadly winger, and Rogers, who has proven himself time and again at Villa Park, is as dangerous as they come. 

Though no concrete club-to-club talks have taken place, the Englishman is widely expected to change clubs this summer, and Arsenal's proactive approach could prove handy in winning the race.

 

Odegaard: Stay or go? The surprise call Arteta may make on Arsenal’s captain

By Danong 

Has this Arsenal team evolved beyond Martin Odegaard? Is the Norwegian skipper about to suffer the same fate as Aaron Ramsdale and Oleksandr Zinchenko, good players, but ultimately not good enough for where Arsenal were at?

Odegaard is expected to be one of Arsenal’s most productive figures. Yet three league goals and eight assists in the 2024–26 season, followed by just one league goal and six assists last term, is not enough.

Yes, one could argue his underlying numbers were strong in what was his worst, injury‑ridden campaign. However, injuries aside, across 24 league matches and eight Champions League outings last season, the Arsenal captain should have delivered more, more than his one goal and seven assists.

Odegaard has poured in effort, blood, and fight to help Arsenal reach this level. But now, the club must take the next step. Sadly, Arteta’s project may have outgrown him.

Strangely, it is nothing against him. He remains a fantastic player who could easily be the best midfielder on many other sides. Yet at Arsenal, he currently lacks the urgency and individual brilliance expected of a number 10.

For a player once bracketed alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes, he has failed to fulfil that potential. Still, while the clamour grows for Arsenal to move him on with Morgan Rogers touted as an upgrade, Odegaard may yet stay. He could be handed a chance to revive himself after two injury‑blighted campaigns.

Amid his struggles, it is worth noting that few organise the press as effectively as Odegaard. For Mikel Arteta, that tactical intelligence may be a decisive factor in keeping him. Selling that level of pressing nous without a superior replacement would be unwise, especially when a successor could learn directly from him.

Thus, the 2026–27 season could be Ødegaard’s last chance saloon. It may be the campaign in which he seals his Arsenal fate, and helps the Gunners decide whether he remains part of their future.