Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal’s leading attacking target, with Bradley Barcola viewed as an alternative.
Arsenal are expected to add another wide forward after completing Leandro Trossard’s permanent transfer to Besiktas.
Christos Tzolis has also emerged as a possible addition, but Arsenal continue to explore a more expensive deal for a player capable of making an immediate impact in Mikel Arteta’s starting side.
That search has brought Rogers and Barcola to the front of the discussion.
Speaking in his latest transfer update, Romano said Arsenal appreciate Barcola but still have Rogers in first place on their shortlist.
“Barcola is also appreciated by Arsenal, but he’s not position number one,” Romano said. “Position number one is Morgan Rogers.”
Romano’s verdict supports earlier reports which identified the Aston Villa attacker as Arsenal’s main summer target. The Guardian reported in June that the Premier League champions had placed Rogers at the top of their list.
Rogers offers Arteta greater tactical flexibility
Rogers would provide more positional variety than Barcola.
The England international can start from the left, operate behind a striker or play as an attacking midfielder. His ability to receive possession centrally would also give Arsenal another option when opponents defend deep.
Barcola is a more natural winger. His pace and direct running could improve Arsenal’s threat on the left, but Rogers offers a closer fit for Arteta’s preference for attackers who can move between several roles.
Premier League experience also works in Rogers’ favour. He would require less adaptation and has already shown he can influence matches against strong domestic opponents.
As Read Arsenal previously examined, the main obstacle is Aston Villa’s valuation.
Villa are under no obligation to sell one of their most important players and could demand a fee exceeding £100million. Rogers remains under a long-term contract, giving the Midlands club a strong negotiating position.
Arsenal must decide whether his versatility justifies a club-record investment.
Barcola competition could complicate Arsenal plans
Barcola remains an attractive alternative, although Arsenal would face significant competition.
Romano has said Liverpool have tracked the France international since last summer. The Anfield club could move quickly should Paris Saint-Germain show a willingness to negotiate.
PSG previously considered Barcola untouchable, but Romano suggested his position may have changed because discussions over a new contract have not progressed.
GiveMeSport also reported that Romano placed Barcola behind Rogers in Arsenal’s order of preference.
A deal would still be difficult. PSG have little financial need to sell and would demand a substantial fee for a 23-year-old attacker with several years remaining at the highest level.
Liverpool’s interest could create a bidding contest Arsenal would prefer to avoid.
Read Arsenal’s latest transfer notebook also listed Rogers, Barcola and Tzolis among the attacking options under consideration.
Arsenal should keep Rogers as priority
Arsenal’s current order makes sense.
Rogers knows the Premier League, offers several tactical solutions and could play alongside Martin Ødegaard rather than simply replacing an existing left winger.
Barcola would bring greater speed and natural width, but Arsenal already have players capable of operating from wide positions. Rogers could influence more areas of Arteta’s system.
The price remains the decisive issue.
Arsenal should not allow Villa’s valuation to draw them into an excessive deal. However, they also need to establish quickly whether a realistic agreement can be reached.
Waiting too long could leave Barcola free to join Liverpool while Villa continue to resist offers for Rogers.
Romano’s update has clarified Arsenal’s plan. Rogers comes first, while Barcola remains the leading alternative.
Andrea Berta must now determine whether the preferred option is genuinely attainable before Arsenal lose control of both pursuits.
