Three Morgan Rogers alternatives Arsenal should target before it's too late

Arsenal won't be signing Morgan Rogers after he agreed a £117million move to Chelsea over the weekend and they now must move to targeting alternatives.

The Gunners had been linked to the Aston Villa star since emerging as a 'serious contender' in May and were set to accelerate talks with the Europa League champions, but their London rivals swooped into snatch him from right under their noses.

With the beginning of the Premier League season edging closer, Mikel Arteta will be keen to add another left winger to his ranks after already agreeing a deal to sign Christos Tzolis and his transfer team need to start exploring other options before it's too late.

Here are three alternatives to Morgan Rogers that Arsenal should target.

Three Morgan Rogers alternatives Arsenal should target

1. Bradley Barcola

Bradley Barcola has been linked with the Gunners throughout the summer and was tipped by many to be a backup option if a deal for Rogers failed to materialise. That situation has now arrived.

The French international has proven himself to be a very talented player since joining Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists in 152 appearances for the two-time Champions League winners.

Despite strong links, Arsenal have shown no signs of making a fresh approach for Barcola and with Liverpool also interested, they run the risk of missing out on his signature in the same way they lost the chance to sign Rogers.

Regardless, he has to be one of the main names on their list as they look to bring in a world class left winger.

2. Nico Williams

One of the most sought-after prospects in world football just two years ago, Nico Williams has failed to live up to the hype his performances at EURO 2024 showed glimpses of, but he is still an incredible option for Arteta's side.

Arsenal were one of the clubs linked with the Athletic Bilbao winger last summer before he signed a long-term contract to remain at his boyhood club until 2035, but they could now return to that interest in their search for a new winger.

He suffered a poor 2025/26 season due to injuries and inconsistency, but his involvement in Spain's successful World Cup campaign, particularly his showing in the final as he assisted Ferran Torres' winning goal has shown the promise is very much still there.

Athletic would demand a hefty fee to part ways with their number 10, but a chance to play for the Premier League champions and in the Champions League regularly could persuade the player to push for a move.

3. Kenan Yıldız

Kenan Yıldız was strongly linked with the Gunners before reports of their interest in Rogers emerged and the North Londoners could now revisit him as a potential option.

Primarily a winger, the Turkey international is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder so would fit the profile Arsenal were looking for in his Aston Villa counterpart.

Juventus have previously claimed Yıldız is not for sale, even reportedly rejecting an approach from the Gunners this summer, but after failing to qualify for the Champions League, they could be forced into a sale of the young talent and Arsenal must be there to capitalise if so.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow