Arsenal’s Miss on Morgan Rogers Could Be a Silver Lining

Arsenal have officially lost the race for Morgan Rogers, with the England international set to join London rivals Chelsea in a British-record deal worth approximately €138 million. The 23-year-old was Mikel Arteta’s top target for the summer window, and sources indicate Rogers was keen on moving to the Emirates. But Arsenal refused to match Aston Villa’s valuation and stepped aside after learning Chelsea had tabled a €138m offer. Arteta personally pushed for the signing, yet the failure to land Rogers may actually benefit the Gunners in the long run. First, Arsenal avoided grossly overpaying for a player whose Estimated Transfer Value stands at €65.1m. While Rogers is talented, he remains inconsistent. He scored 14 goals last season but has only twice in his senior career scored in back-to-back Premier League matches — and one of those streaks came on loan at Lincoln City in League One. He also endured three separate seven-game goalless runs in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. For €138m, that is far from ideal. Chelsea, on the other hand, desperately needed a proven Premier League forward. Rogers unquestionably strengthens their attack, and no one doubts he is a superb signing for the Blues. But for Arsenal, better options exist. The Gunners have already secured Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis as a replacement for Leandro Trossard. And while they still want another left winger, there are reasons to think Rogers was never the right fit. Arsenal already have Eberechi Eze — a Premier League-proven England international who thrives as a No.10 but can play on the left. With Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, and the vastly underrated Mikel Merino also in the attacking midfield pool, there is little room for Rogers. At Chelsea, Rogers will likely operate as a wide No.10 in Enzo Maresca’s 3-4-3 system. At Arsenal, he would have been deployed as an out-and-out winger every week — a role that does not suit his best qualities. If Arsenal need a new attacking midfielder, they are already well stocked. If they want a left winger, players like Bradley Barcola or Yan Diomande could be available for a similar fee. And if they crave a hybrid, Eze is already at the club. It may sting now, but Arsenal’s failure to sign Morgan Rogers should be seen as a blessing in disguise — especially given that €138m price tag.