Arsenal have been forced to rethink an important part of their attacking recruitment after Chelsea moved decisively to win the race for Morgan Rogers.
The England international had been one of Mikel Arteta’s leading targets, but the Gunners must now avoid allowing that disappointment to dictate their next move.
The priority remains adding a young attacker who can provide goals, carry the ball through pressure and operate in more than one position.
Arsenal still have several ambitious possibilities under consideration, although each alternative brings its own financial and sporting complications.
Arsenal assess Premier League alternative to Rogers
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are considering other attacking targets after Rogers agreed to join Chelsea.
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is among the options, while Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola continues to be admired by the north London club.
Chelsea have agreed a British-record £117m package for Rogers, who is expected to sign a six-year contract containing an option for an additional season, according to Sky Sports.
That outcome leaves Arsenal needing to decide whether to pursue a similar profile or change direction completely.
Kroupi would offer Premier League experience despite his age. The French forward scored 13 league goals last season and has already troubled Arsenal directly, but Bournemouth are determined to retain him.
The Guardian previously reported that the Cherries could value him at around £80m, while the latest claims place the required package closer to £100m.
Gunners must avoid an expensive reaction
Barcola would provide more natural width, acceleration and one-against-one threat from the left.
However, PSG’s position remains uncertain while his contract discussions continue, and Liverpool have also maintained serious interest.
Arsenal should not treat Kroupi as a consolation prize. He is an exciting talent with genuine Premier League output, but spending close to £100m on a 20-year-old after losing Rogers would look reactive unless Arteta considers him a future automatic starter.
Barcola may suit Arsenal’s immediate need for a specialist winger better, although he could be equally expensive.
The smartest approach is to establish firm prices for both players and remain prepared to walk away.
Missing out on Rogers is frustrating, but Arsenal still control their next decision. Their response should be measured and strategic, not driven by the desire to make a quick statement after Chelsea’s hijack.
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Stop pushing Barcola please, he’s a £40m player who simply wouldn’t cut it in the PL. Arsenal should look at players like Yildiz, Ndiaye, or go crazy and try to nab a prime talent like Vini. Barcola is overpriced and overrated more than anyone on the market, it’d be the dumbest waste of £100+m ever.
Perhaps you could clarify the weaknesses of Barcola for those of us who have a higher opinion of his ability than you?
he’s a slightly better version of Martinelli. He loses the ball too often and doesn’t keep his head up to find the correct pass. His speed is awesome, but he doesn’t finish well enough to be worth £100+.
I think you are very wrong, and probably have not watched him. This guy has vision, records plenty, assists and I would rate him even over Rogers as a winger. That’s why Liverpool are determined to get him and never bothered with Rogers.
He is not first choice for PSG only because they have Kvaratskhelia.
Rogers to me would have been a terrible buy at even 80m because he is average as a winger, wants to play 10 but we already have Eze and Odegaard and Nwaneri and even Merino for that. The very versatile 40m euro Tzolis seems a much better buy than Rogers for me.
Was mighty pleased when Rogers went to Chelsea who seem obsessed with Arsenal. Maybe Arsenal deliberately led Chelsea on to him. LOL.
It’s not rocket science he has very little end product, dribbling is well above average but his 1v1 with GKs is pretty dismal and overall finishing not up to snuff. His agent team hype him up, the fact that he hardly starts for PSG should tell you everything! I understand that they have other world class players but if Barcola was not already found out PSG would still be starting him which they are not so Arsenal need to move on to the Bournemouth lad he is a much much better proven buy!
arsenal are waiting to see the outcome of the vini Jr Real Madrid stand off and will sign him
I bet you Bacola will have better stats than Rogers next season, if either Arsenal or Liverpool buy him.
Many people seem to underrate this player. Reminds of Henry .. he is 23 and has some room to develop with regular game time.
To me Barcola is a good player but try to seduce maybe they can lower the amount up to around £80m it will be the best.
My joy is that we have hijacked Morgan Rogers from arsenal anyone they want to sign let them sign but they should stay away from our target Maxence Lacroix
Fans that celebrate signings make me laugh. Typical with Tottenham, Chelsea and Man Utd .. all teams whose fans celebrate signings every summer, and then the season turns out a different story