Arsenal interested in signing Aston Villa star | OneFootball

Arsenal Explore Forward Options as Arteta Prioritises Attacking Reinforcements

Arsenal have expanded their shortlist of attacking targets this summer, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Feyenoord’s Igor Paixão among those being monitored as Mikel Arteta seeks to diversify his frontline. As reported by The Times, the Gunners are considering multiple profiles to improve goal output and provide tactical flexibility.

Focus on Versatility and End Product

Mikel Arteta’s intent is clear: Arsenal must evolve their attack to break the ceiling that has kept them just shy of major honours. After another second-placed finish and a notable drop in goals from the previous season, the priority is increased variety in forward areas. Rogers fits that mould, having contributed eight goals and 11 assists in his debut Premier League campaign.

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The 22-year-old has also shown promise in Europe, netting four goals and adding three assists in the Champions League. Rogers made his England debut in November against Greece, capping off a breakthrough year. His contract extension until 2030, signed shortly after joining from Middlesbrough, ensures that any deal would require a substantial fee. Nevertheless, his Premier League experience and positional versatility make him a logical option.

Exploring Budget-Friendly Alternatives

While Rogers presents a compelling case, Arsenal are also evaluating cost-effective alternatives. Igor Paixão, named Dutch Footballer of the Year, is being considered as a wide option. The 24-year-old Brazilian produced 16 goals and 14 assists for Feyenoord and is under contract until 2029.

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Though uncapped at international level, Paixão’s productivity in the Eredivisie offers promise. With Leeds United previously linked, Arsenal would face competition, but he is a significantly cheaper proposition compared to Nico Williams or Leroy Sané.

Balancing Finances and Squad Depth

Sporting director Andrea Berta is adopting a multi-pronged approach to recruitment, negotiating several deals in tandem before committing. This strategy allows Arsenal to weigh up financial demands, age profiles, and future resale value.

Nico Williams has a £42 million release clause, but his wage demands exceed £250,000 per week. Sané, potentially available on a free transfer, currently earns over £220,000 at Bayern and would likely seek a comparable salary alongside signing-on bonuses.

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Arteta is also targeting a centre back and possibly a midfielder, even after the anticipated £51 million arrival of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Arsenal are expected to raise additional funds through sales, with Nuno Tavares already joining Lazio for £7.9 million. Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also available for transfer.

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Youth Development and Contract Renewals

Arsenal’s academy continues to feed into the senior squad. Max Dowman, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder, is expected to be included in the club’s pre-season tour to Asia. Meanwhile, Gabriel is close to agreeing a contract extension, following a season that saw him emerge as a defensive mainstay before injury.

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Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also due improved terms after impressive breakthrough campaigns. The club is in discussions to add Matteo Tognozzi to their recruitment team under Berta, aiming to strengthen talent identification processes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The addition of Morgan Rogers to the shortlist is both ambitious and strategic. He is Premier League-proven, young, English and tactically flexible. His inclusion could mark a significant shift in Arsenal’s recruitment strategy.

Equally, the interest in Igor Paixão shows Arsenal are scanning intelligently beyond the traditional elite markets. A high-output winger with room to grow, Paixão is the kind of shrewd deal that could pay dividends if he adapts quickly.

Balancing the books while pursuing quality has never been more important. If Berta and Arteta can successfully execute this transfer strategy—securing a mix of experience and potential across several positions—then Arsenal will be well-placed to go one step further next season.