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Arsenal plot £130 million Morgan Rogers swoop, Manchester United clear path for new forward with Joshua Zirzkee sale - Paper Round
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Published 17/07/2026 at 23:02 GMT+1
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Arsenal are planning a move for Aston Villa's £130 million forward Morgan Rogers, while Atletico Madrid refuse to sell Julian Alvarez. Elsewhere, Tottenham knocked back a £46 million Newcastle offer for Lucas Bergvall, and Manchester United look to part ways with Joshua Zirkzee to land a new attacker.
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Arsenal prepare £130m bid for Villa's Rogers
Mikel Arteta's side are poised to formalise their interest in Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers now that England's World Cup run has concluded.
The club are determined to bring in a premier attacking player this summer and have zeroed in on Rogers, though Villa value him at a massive £130 million.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is keeping his options open with several backups; Villa's versatile defender Ezri Konsa is viewed as excellent cover across the backline, while Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez all remain on the north London club's radar.
The Sun reports: ”Arsenal are set to make their move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers after England’s World Cup exit.
”The Gunners want to sign a marquee attacker and have set their sights on the forward, who Villa value at £130 million.
”Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa would be an ideal signing as he could provide competition at right-back and in the heart of defence.
”Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin is another player thought to be on Arsenal’s radar and sporting director Andrea Berta likes having multiple targets.
”Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is another player admired by the Gunners, while they hold an interest in Julian Alvarez, too.”
Atletico Madrid dig in heels over Alvarez stance
Atletico Madrid have taken a resolutely firm stance on Julian Alvarez, insisting they will not permit the forward to leave even if an offer reaches €200 million (£170m).
The declaration comes amid a tense, ongoing dispute between Atletico and Barcelona over the player.
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal are actively monitoring the situation, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that their official offer is still on the table, though it now features a strict deadline.
The Mirror states: ”Atletico Madrid have vowed not to sell Arsenal target Julian Alvarez for even €200 million this summer, as their bitter row with Barcelona continues.
”The Argentina star has been linked with a move away from the Metropolitano this summer.
”Premier League champions Arsenal are among his admirers, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that his side’s bid remains on the table - albeit with a deadline attached to it.”
Spurs turn down £46m Bergvall approach from Newcastle
Newcastle United have failed in an opening attempt to lure midfielder Lucas Bergvall away from Tottenham. The Magpies submitted a formal proposal worth roughly £46 million, a fee that eclipsed previous bids lodged by Nottingham Forest.
While Spurs chiefs have knocked back every approach for the 20-year-old talent so far, they are not completely opposed to a transfer and would consider sanctioning a sale if a club meets their specific valuation.
The Athletic explains: ”Tottenham Hotspur have rejected an offer from Newcastle United for midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
”The bid was around £46million and exceeded the approaches made by Nottingham Forest to date.
”All attempts to sign the 20-year-old so far, including higher proposals, have been rejected by Spurs - although a sale would be considered if the figures reach a level they deem suitable.”
Zirkzee exit key to United's attacking recruitment
Manchester United's hopes of signing a new forward this summer hinge on finding a buyer for Joshua Zirkzee.
The Daily Mail reports: ”The Dutchman has struggled to hold down a regular place at United, making 27 starts in the two years since he arrived from Bologna for £36.5m.
”Like Mount, the fact he doesn’t have a clearly defined role in the team has worked against him, with no room in the 4-2-3-1 formation for a ‘second striker’.
”Zirkzee’s opportunities were limited after United signed Benjamin Sesko last summer, with Amorim and Carrick often using Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha through the middle instead of Zirkzee when Sesko didn’t play.
”United would like to sign another forward this summer and that would appear to be dependent on finding a new club for the 25-year-old.”
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