Morgan Rodgers is Arsenal’s top transfer target. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal continue to be linked with a big summer signing as they prepare for an epic showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners will be looking for their first win in the competition when they face the French giants in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the Premier League trophy last weekend after defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Supporters flooded the streets to celebrate the north London club’s first league win in 22 years. But Arteta’s attention has now shifted to defeating Luis Enrique’s side in the clash between the French and English champions in Budapest.
The Gunners manager is “absolutely confident” his side can win the double, adding: “We have an opportunity to create new history for the club.
“We are confident that we will do it. This (celebratory) energy needs to flow and it would be a big mistake to go against it. We have already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how to use the incredible energy that we all have for the final, and we will start preparing for it tomorrow.”
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
“I told the players that this shirt represents something different. We are champions and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to this shirt. But at the same time, it also gives you a different kind of responsibility as well. My job now, and everyone at the club, is to raise those standards now and achieve more, because I think we can do it.”
Here, Express Sport rounds up the latest players to emerge from the red half of north London.
Suspicions surface about Julian Alvarez
Manager Marcos Llorente has questioned Julián Álvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid beyond this season. The development will strengthen Arsenal’s prospects of securing the former Manchester City forward in a summer move.
The 26-year-old is attracting interest from the Gunners, PSG and Barcelona. Alvarez’s teammate Llorente told El Partidazo de COPE that the Argentine international’s future intentions are still unclear.
The midfielder did not know what Alvarez’s decision would be, confessing: “In today’s situation, neither does he.” Llorente continued: “I haven’t asked him. He looks okay to me, but maybe he wants to leave, but we don’t know.”
Spanish newspaper Cadena SER have reported that the former City striker has expressed a desire to leave Spain and that Arsenal could make an approach. The forward, who scored 49 goals in two seasons at Madrid, is thought to be worth a transfer fee of up to £90 million.
Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal and PSG. (Image: Getty Images)
Interest in Morgan Rogers grows
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rodgers, but securing his signature could prove both expensive and competitive. TalkSPORT report that Arteta has increased his interest in the Europa League hero during the summer transfer window.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
Preliminary talks have already taken place between the two clubs, with Villa reportedly offering a minimum of £80m for Rodgers. However, it looks like the Gunners will face stiff competition, with Manchester United also firmly on the list.
Chelsea and PSG are also interested in the 23-year-old, who has scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists for Villa over the season. Rodgers wants to remain focused on this summer’s World Cup and is thought to turn his attention to the club’s future once the tournament is over.
