The transfer window rarely goes to plan. Arsenal just learned that lesson the hard way.
After Chelsea swooped in to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a staggering £117 million, many expected Arsenal to pivot straight toward Bradley Barcola at PSG. But according to Fabrizio Romano, that’s not happening — at least not yet.
So where does that leave Mikel Arteta’s summer rebuild? Let’s break it down.
The Morgan Rogers Blow and What It Means
Rogers was Arsenal’s top target. Arteta had been pushing for the England international since as early as January, mentioning his name repeatedly in internal meetings. The club had even made progress on personal terms, per CaughtOffside.
Then Chelsea struck. David Ornstein broke the news on July 18 that Chelsea had reached a verbal agreement with Villa. Rogers will undergo a medical next Monday before completing his switch to Stamford Bridge.
Romano didn’t sugarcoat it. He called the outcome “a big shock” and “a big surprise” for Arsenal.
The Gunners had already secured a deal for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, a £34 million move to replace the departed Leandro Trossard. But Tzolis was never meant to be the marquee signing. Rogers was. And now he’s gone.
Why Barcola Isn’t Arsenal’s Plan B (Yet)
Here’s where the Barcola speculation falls apart. Romano was clear on his YouTube channel: Arsenal haven’t made any approach for the PSG winger.
“My understanding on Barcola is that so far Arsenal have not made any checks,” Romano said. “The conversation Barcola-Arsenal is still cold, I would say.”
That doesn’t mean it stays cold forever. Romano acknowledged Arsenal “will now need to react on the market” after the Rogers setback. But for now, Liverpool hold the cards in the Barcola race.
Multiple sources paint the same picture:
- TEAMtalk reports Liverpool are “pushing hardest” for Barcola, viewing him as Mohamed Salah’s long-term successor
- Barcola has reportedly told PSG he wants to leave this summer
- PSG have slapped a €150 million asking price on the 23-year-old, per L’Equipe — a fee that would make him the third most expensive transfer ever
- Liverpool have made fresh contact with PSG, and sources say personal terms wouldn’t be an issue
That €150 million price tag is a serious barrier. It would shatter the current British transfer record. Only the Premier League’s financial heavyweights could even consider it.
Arsenal also explored another option. Romano revealed the Gunners made “some calls” to the agents of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in recent days. But that door closed quickly too. Diomande has already agreed personal terms with PSG, who are in active negotiations with Leipzig.
What Comes Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal find themselves in an uncomfortable position. Their top winger target chose Chelsea. Their backup option is heading to Paris. And the player every pundit now links them to hasn’t received a single check from the club.
Arteta still has tools at his disposal. The Tzolis signing adds depth. Reports from ESPN and Football365 suggest the club remains in the market for attackers independent of specific names. And with the window still wide open, opportunities will emerge.
But the clock is ticking. Liverpool aren’t waiting around on Barcola. Chelsea just proved they’ll outspend anyone when they want a player. Arsenal’s rivals are moving fast, and the Gunners can’t afford to dither.
One thing seems clear: Arsenal’s summer won’t be defined by who they wanted. It’ll be defined by how they respond to not getting them.
