Arsenal won the Premier League this season and reached the Champions League final. The squad has its spine. But the Budapest heartbreak proved, beyond doubt, that this group still needs reinforcement if it is to take the final step and become European champions. The summer rebuild is already under way, and the targets are ambitious.
Rogers and Kroupi: The Priority Signings
Two names dominate Arsenal's summer planning. Morgan Rogers, the 22-year-old Aston Villa attacking midfielder, has been identified as a high-priority target for Arteta's system. The fee required could top £100 million — a number that reflects both Rogers' quality and fierce competition from Manchester City and Chelsea, both of whom have lodged their own interest. Alongside Rogers, Arsenal are pushing to finalise a deal for Eli Junior Kroupi, the 19-year-old Bournemouth forward who has drawn comparisons to a young Nicolas Anelka with his movement, pace, and composure. Reports suggest Arsenal want to close both deals quickly, before other clubs firm up their interest.
The Salah Question
The departure of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool — now a free agent — has naturally been linked to Arsenal. The Egyptian King is still performing at an elite level and would represent a statement signing for any top club. However, sources close to Arsenal suggest Arteta is looking for a younger profile in the wide attacking positions, and Salah's rumoured wage demands would stretch the club's Financial Fair Play calculations. Do not expect him in red and white.
What the UCL Final Funded
Reaching the Champions League final generates significant prize money. Combined with the Premier League title bonus, Arsenal have more financial flexibility this summer than almost any previous window under Arteta. That money needs to be spent wisely. The squad has Rice, Gabriel, Saka, Havertz — but creative depth and the ability to close out games in the final third were exposed against PSG. Rogers, if Arsenal can land him, addresses precisely that problem.
Transfer context: Arsenal summer 2026 priorities: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, ~£100m+), Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth, undisclosed) | Competition for Rogers: Man City, Chelsea | Transfer window opens: June 15, 2026
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