Arsenal are reportedly considering a significant acquisition from Aston Villa for their star Morgan Rogers, along with a former Manchester City player, as part of a four-man shortlist to step in for Kai Havertz.
Havertz, a standout figure for the Gunners in recent campaigns, is set to miss out due to a knee injury, sidelining him after last season’s hamstring tear troubles. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Havertz was absent during an open training at the Emirates, with recovery details still pending. Arsenal are consequently probing the transfer market for a robust offensive addition to fill the gap left by Havertz.
TEAMtalk sources have identified two prime prospects for the North London club. Nicolas Jackson emerges as a feasible candidate, with Chelsea open to parting ways with the Senegalese forward for £60m, amidst Jackson’s desire to exit following new arrivals Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Arsenal’s ambitions also extend to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The Gunners previously faced rejection for Watkins during the winter transfer phase, and although Villa values him at £60m, securing the England international appears more complicated than signing Jackson.
Arsenal keep deliberating a decisive move for Watkins, according to The Sun, while also mulling over an approach for his Villa colleague, Morgan Rogers.
Rogers, under scrutiny as a competitor for Gabriel Martinelli’s spot, is now commanding increased attention from Arsenal due to his versatility, potentially filling in for Havertz’s role. However, Villa’s resolve to maintain their hold on Rogers could pose a challenge for the Gunners, with Arsenal needing to act quickly before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Additionally, The Sun indicates interest from Arsenal in former Manchester City man Julian Alvarez, now with Atletico Madrid, though any transfer discussions might be equally challenging.
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