Five potential alternatives to Morgan Rogers for Arsenal

The Hard Tackle lists five players Arsenal should pursue after losing the race to sign Morgan Rogers.

The summer transfer window has thrown its first major curveball. In a stunning twist, Chelsea have hijacked Arsenal’s heavily pursued move for Morgan Rogers, sealing a staggering £117 million agreement. With the Englishman verbally agreeing to a six-year contract with the Blues, Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta must quickly pivot.

Losing a primary target is a bitter pill, but the Gunners’ recruitment team operates with robust contingency plans. To sustain their title charge and European ambitions, the North Londoners require a dynamic attacker capable of operating at the highest level. Here are the top five targets Arsenal should pursue immediately to replace Morgan Rogers, backed by tactical profiles, market reality, and data.

The top options

Bradley Barcola

Perhaps the most direct, high-upside alternative to Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola is a name that has long sat on Arsenal’s parallel scouting files. The French international brings blistering pace, elite 1v1 dribbling, and a directness down the left flank that perfectly complements Mikel Arteta’s tactical system.

Data highlights why Barcola is the ultimate structural replacement for Rogers’s dynamic wing play. He ranks in the elite 94th percentile among European wingers for progressive carries (5.18 per 90) and the 89th percentile for successful take-ons (3.10 per 90). This raw ability to beat his man and carry the ball from deep directly replicates the transition threat Arsenal hoped to secure with Rogers.

With his PSG contract expiring in 2028, a deal is financially viable compared to the astronomical Rogers fee. However, Arsenal must act fast, as Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring his situation, while recent reports have linked him with Chelsea and Manchester United. Barcola’s ability to stretch defensive lines makes him a premium replacement.

Morgan Gibbs-White

If Arsenal want a Premier League-proven asset who can hit the ground running without an adaptation period, Morgan Gibbs-White is the ideal candidate. At 26, the Englishman is entering his absolute prime. Gibbs-White also mirrors Rogers’s tactical versatility flawlessly.

Underlying creative metrics show he is a master at orchestrating attacks, averaging 4.82 shot-creating actions and 2.15 key passes per 90 minutes. He is comfortable operating as a central progressive No. 10 or drifting out to the half-spaces on the flanks. His leadership and work rate out of possession, backed by an impressive 6.2 ball recoveries per 90, make him an incredibly attractive, low-risk option for Arteta’s pressing scheme.

However, the Nottingham Forest playmaker has also attracted widespread, with reports linking him with Manchester United and Tottenham. Additionally, Arsenal face the risk of trying to strike an agreement with Evangelos Marinakis, who remains a notorious negotiator.

Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez remains a dream target for the Arsenal hierarchy. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner offers world-class versatility, capable of leading the line as a central striker, playing as a shadow forward, or even operating from the wings.

The Argentine provides an elite cutting edge in the final third, validated by his underlying data of 0.65 non-penalty expected goals and assists (npXG+xA) per 90. Furthermore, his defensive intensity makes him a flawless fit for Arsenal; he ranks in the 91st percentile for final-third pressures among forwards.

The primary hurdle is player preference, as Alvarez is understood to favour staying in Spain or moving to Barcelona. However, Atletico Madrid are highly reluctant to sell to a domestic rival. Reports indicate Los Rojiblancos would be far more inclined to negotiate a lucrative deal with a non-La Liga suitor, opening a distinct competitive window for Arsenal to launch a marquee bid.

Alternative youth options

Gilberto Mora

For a long-term tactical pivot, Arsenal have already laid the groundwork for Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old sensation has turned heads globally, earning the moniker of a “little genius” following standout performances at the Under-20 World Cup. He has since followed that up with his breakthrough at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Statistically, Mora has shown maturity far beyond his years in top-flight Liga MX football, averaging a remarkable 78% passing accuracy in the final third alongside 2.4 progressive passes per 90. Arsenal have reportedly submitted an initial £19 million bid to Club Tijuana.

While the teenager plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger, similar to Rogers, he represents a futuristic investment rather than an immediate plug-and-play solution. Additionally, competition for his signature will be fierce, as Liverpool and Manchester United are also among his prospective suitors.

Eli Junior Kroupi

Rounding out the shortlist is Eli Junior Kroupi. Highly appreciated by Arsenal’s analytical and scouting teams, the Bournemouth sensation offers multi-functional attacking cover.

Data-driven scouting reports highlight his clinical efficiency in tight spaces, boasting an impressive 18.5% shot-conversion rate and averaging 3.42 touches inside the opponent’s penalty area per 90 minutes. He possesses a sharp intuitive sense for finding space in the final third and has shown rapid development in the top flight.

Kroupi represents an incredibly smart, high-ceiling depth option who can be molded into a variety of forward roles under Arteta’s coaching. However, like every other candidate, the French wonderkid is a target for several bigwigs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.

The Silver Lining: Christos Tzolis

While missing out on Rogers alters the club’s marquee summer blueprint, there is immediate reinforcement on the horizon. The imminent arrival of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge ensures Arsenal secure fresh attacking depth immediately, alleviating the pressure as they weigh up their next major move.

Assessing the Options

To understand how these targets stack up against the departed Morgan Rogers, we look at their positions, key strengths, and projected roles within the squad.

The focus should now turn towards pursuing one of these options after losing the race to sign Morgan Rogers