Football Muse

·21 July 2026

Tuesday’s transfer talk centres around Arsenal’s pursuit of an alternative to Morgan Rogers and Lille’s valuation for Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Arsenal have been left frustrated after Morgan Rogers completed his move to Chelsea, with the Gunners losing out on their primary summer target. The North London club declined to match Chelsea’s £117 million bid but remain determined to secure a marquee signing before the window closes.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has re-emerged as a potential target for Arsenal. Atletico have turned down interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona for Alvarez, insisting that the Argentine remains at the club. Nevertheless, a major offer from England could persuade the Spanish side to cash in on the unsettled forward and prevent him from joining a La Liga rival.

Arsenal are also actively pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League champions vying with Manchester City for the highly rated teenager. Lille are keen to retain Bouaddi for another season, but reports from L’Equipe suggest that a bid in the region of £85 million could make them reconsider.

Elsewhere in North London, three Tottenham players have caught the attention of Serie A giants. Cristian Romero, Djed Spence, and Richarlison are reportedly being targeted by both Inter Milan and Juventus, with the Italian heavyweights preparing to go head-to-head in pursuit of a remarkable triple signing.

Remaining in Serie A, Rafael Leao is understood to be seeking an exit from AC Milan this summer. However, the Rossoneri are yet to receive a formal approach, despite preliminary interest from Barcelona and Manchester United. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Aston Villa are considering a bold move for Leao as manager Unai Emery looks to replace the departing Morgan Rogers.

Another winger on Aston Villa’s shortlist is Jonathan Rowe. Reports from Calciomercato claim that both Villa and Chelsea are eyeing the Bologna attacker, who carries a valuation of approximately €40 million.

To create space in their squad, Villa may part ways with Leon Bailey, who is currently in discussions with Hull City. According to The Athletic, Trabzonspor and Celta Vigo have also expressed interest in the 28-year-old Jamaican winger, with Villa open to selling him for around £12 million.