The summer transfer window does not officially open until 14 June, but Arsenal are already shaping their plans around two primary targets: Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi. Mikel Arteta is said to have made a firm demand for the club to sign Rogers, with Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta understood to be a keen admirer. Extensive groundwork is reported to have been carried out for a potential deal, although Villa’s valuation — which could reach as high as €115 million (£100 million) — remains a significant obstacle. Arsenal are aiming for a considerably lower fee, and there is a belief that Aston Villa’s need to comply with financial regulations could force them to accept less than their asking price. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring Rogers, but Arsenal are described as “one serious contender” for the winger, with Arteta prioritising a left-sided attacker.
Arsenal’s interest in Kroupi adds another layer to their summer business. The Bournemouth forward scored 13 goals in his debut Premier League season — a record for a teenager — and the south-coast club are determined to keep him. Bournemouth have set a base fee of £80 million (€92 million) for the 19-year-old, and his release clause of €100 million (£87 million) does not become active until 2027. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also in the race, but Arsenal’s pursuit reflects Arteta’s demand for four new players: a left-sided attacker, a striker, a midfielder and a right-back. The club are also understood to be looking at Julian Alvarez and Igor Thiago as potential striker options, while Sandro Tonali is mentioned as a priority midfield target.
Other clubs shaping their squads
Across London, Chelsea are working under new manager Xabi Alonso and are focused on adding Premier League experience and leadership. They are seriously considering a move for West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, who is expected to leave following the Hammers’ relegation. West Ham are believed to be seeking around £50 million, but clubs believe a deal could be done for closer to £40 million. Bowen has contributed 38 goals and 27 assists in the last three Premier League campaigns and can play across the forward line. Liverpool are also interested, but Chelsea see Bowen as a player who could fill their need for a creative-minded attacker. The Blues are also in the race for Rogers, though reports suggest they trail Arsenal. Other names linked with Chelsea include Ousmane Diomande, Marcos Senesi, Anthony Gordon and Bradley Barcola, while goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is reportedly looking to leave due to a lack of game time.
Manchester United are close to completing their first summer signing, with Atalanta’s Ederson described as “virtually guaranteed” to join for a fee between £38 million and £45 million. The deal has experienced a slight delay due to changes in Atalanta’s staff. Strengthening midfield is a priority for United following Casemiro’s departure, and they have been linked with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali (£87 million) and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson was also admired but is reportedly favouring a move to Manchester City. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has confirmed he will leave the Serie A club this summer, expressing a desire to play in a different league. Leao is reportedly available for around £43 million and has previously expressed admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, which could favour a move to Old Trafford. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with Leao.
Liverpool are searching for a new manager after Arne Slot was sacked, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola the leading contender. If appointed, Iraola could target players such as winger Rayan and right-back Denzel Dumfries. Meanwhile, defender Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool on a free transfer as his contract expires, and the club are considering activating a buy-back clause for Jarell Quansah, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to announce the free transfers of Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi and Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. Spurs are also ready to spend over £120 million on new forwards and have been linked with Manchester City winger Savinho.
Arsenal’s specific positional needs
Among all the activity, Arsenal’s shopping list is the most clearly defined by the demands of Arteta. The priority is a left-sided attacker, which explains the relentless pursuit of Rogers. The 22-year-old is seen as a player who can provide width and creativity from that flank, a role Arsenal have lacked consistency in. Alongside that, a new striker is required, with Alvarez and Thiago identified as options who could offer a different profile to the existing forwards. The midfield target — with Tonali a prominent name — would add balance and depth, while the right-back search suggests Arteta wants competition or a long-term successor in that position. The combination of a left-sided attacker, striker, midfielder and right-back represents a significant overhaul, and the club’s willingness to pursue both Rogers and Kroupi — two young, high-ceiling players — indicates a strategy of building around emerging talent rather than short-term fixes.
Bournemouth’s stance on their young players is firm: they are determined to keep Kroupi, Rayan and Alex Scott, despite substantial interest. Kroupi’s £80 million price tag and the fact his release clause does not activate until 2027 give the Cherries strong negotiating leverage. Arsenal’s interest, however, demonstrates their willingness to invest heavily in the right profile — a left-sided forward who can also operate centrally, much like Rogers. The common thread across Arsenal’s targets is youth, versatility and Premier League experience, whether that be Rogers’ 18 months at Aston Villa, Kroupi’s breakthrough season, or the proven output of Alvarez and Tonali in top-flight football.
