Arsenal eye Rogers, Kroupi & new Arteta deal after title win

Arsenal plot summer moves for Morgan Rogers and Junior Kroupi

Fresh from ending their long-awaited Premier League title drought, Arsenal are already drawing up an ambitious summer transfer list. Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel reports that the Gunners have set their sights on Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers and FC Lorient striker Junior Kroupi.

Both players represent contrasting profiles but share a common thread: they fit Arsenal's long-term recruitment strategy of signing young, high-potential talents who can develop under Mikel Arteta. The Athletic's report comes as the club also prioritises a new contract for their manager.

Morgan Rogers: A versatile attacking option

The 22-year-old Rogers enjoyed a breakout campaign at Aston Villa, contributing four goals and three assists in the Premier League. His ability to operate across the front line — as a left winger, number ten, or false nine — offers Arteta tactical flexibility. Arsenal's left-sided attack has been a rotational area, with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus sharing minutes. Rogers would provide competition and cover, potentially lowering the average age of the forward unit.

According to data from the 2024/25 season, Rogers ranked in the top 15% of Premier League wingers for dribbles completed (2.1 per 90) and chances created from open play (1.8 per 90). His ball progression from midfield could also ease the creative burden on Martin Ødegaard. However, Villa are reluctant sellers, and Arsenal may need to offer upwards of £40 million to prize him away from Villa Park.

Junior Kroupi: Lorient's teenage goal machine

Kroupi, only 18, has been one of Ligue 1's revelations this term. The centre-forward has bagged 12 league goals and provided four assists for a mid-table Lorient side. Standing at 1.85m, he combines physical hold-up play with intelligent movement in the box — a profile Arsenal have lacked in their striker rotation. Eddie Nketiah has struggled for consistent minutes, while Kai Havertz's versatility often sees him used deeper.

Kroupi's goals-to-shots conversion rate of 22% is among the best in Europe's top five leagues for players under 21. Lorient are expected to demand a fee in the region of €30 million, which would represent a bargain by Premier League standards. French youth international status adds a premium, but Arsenal's scouting network, headed by Edu, has a strong track record in Ligue 1 — William Saliba's signing from Saint-Étienne being the prime example.

Title win reshapes transfer priorities

Securing the league title for the first time since the Invincibles era fundamentally alters Arsenal's approach to the market. Champions League qualification is now guaranteed, while the financial boost — estimated at £150 million in prize money and commercial revenue — provides headroom for multiple big-money signings. The club no longer needs to sell-to-buy, a luxury that was absent in previous windows.

Nevertheless, Arsenal must navigate Financial Fair Play regulations. The outlay on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurriën Timber last summer exceeded £200 million, and further spending will require player sales. Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Jakub Kiwior could be moved on to raise funds.

Arteta's new deal: A sign of stability

Beyond incomings, Arsenal are working to tie down Mikel Arteta on a new long-term contract. The Spanish manager's current deal runs until 2026, but the club hierarchy — led by Josh Kroenke — views him as the architect of their success. Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a Europa League side into champions, integrating a clear tactical identity based on high pressing, patient buildup and aggressive counter-pressing.

His new contract is expected to make him one of the highest-paid managers in the division, reflecting his status. It would also send a strong signal to potential transfer targets: Arteta is here to stay, and the project has long-term direction.

FPL implications

For Fantasy Premier League managers, both Rogers and Kroupi are currently priced under £6.0 million. Should they join Arsenal, their ownership would surge given the Gunners' favourable fixture schedule and attacking output. Last season, Arsenal scored 88 league goals, second only to Manchester City, and registered the most big chances created (97). Arteta's side registered an average of 2.2 goals per game at the Emirates, a figure that could improve with a pure finisher like Kroupi.

Rogers, in particular, offers differential potential if he nails down a starting spot on the left. Arsenal's opening fixtures for the 2025/26 season are expected to be kind, with only two of the 'Big Six' in the first six gameweeks. However, managers should wait until pre-season before committing, as both would need time to integrate.

What's next for Arsenal?

The summer transfer window officially opens on June 10, but Arsenal are expected to accelerate talks in May. After the crowning achievement of the title, the challenge shifts to sustaining dominance — a task that requires depth and evolution. Signing both Rogers and Kroupi would give Arteta four forwards under 23, alongside Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, forming a core that could terrorise defences for years.

Competition from Manchester City and Chelsea could complicate negotiations, but Arsenal's status as champions gives them a formidable pull. If the club can conclude both transfers while securing Arteta's future, they will enter the 2025/26 season as clear favourites to defend their crown.