Arsenal in direct talks to sign £100m star

“It’s not over yet.” These are the famous words uttered by an Arsenal midfielder named Declan Rice after Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City.

It seemed like it was. Pep Guardiola’s men had completely blown the doors off and the Gunners looked like they were going to disappear.

Well, always believe in Rice. Lo and behold, it had not been done. It’s now. However, it was Arsenal who came out on top.

The mentality spoke volumes. He calmed the situation down, calmed things down and Mikel Arteta’s side eventually found their way home and ultimately won the title by seven points. Not bad, right?

So what’s next? Andrea Berta and his friends need to find a way to strengthen their team in pursuit of further honors.

Arsenal eyeing big-ticket addition to attack

When Arsenal faced PSG in the Champions League last Saturday, the match could very well have been decided on penalties, but the difference between the two teams, especially at the top end of the pitch, was staggering.

Luis Enrique’s squad includes the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Hivuca Kvaratschelia and Desiree Douye, while Arsenal have Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. As far as quality is concerned, Bukayo Saka is much better than these three companies.

So the challenge now is to find the next Saka. Players like Marcus Rashford and Bradley Barcola have attracted attention for their moves, as has RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande.

But the most exciting name is undoubtedly Aston Villa’s Morgan Rodgers. Reports a few days ago suggested the Gunners had a “genuine” interest in the England international, but they have now stepped up their efforts following new claims.

Fabrizio Romano said on YouTube: “It will be very difficult for Aston Villa to keep Morgan Rodgers. They understand that there are many clubs interested. We expect several clubs to be on the table.”

“Certainly Arsenal. They are one of the clubs that are interested and my understanding is that they have already had direct contact with Rodgers’ agent.”

Romano expects Villa may find it difficult to keep their star player, with some reports suggesting it could cost up to £100m to lure him away from the Midlands, making negotiations difficult.

Why Rodgers could be Arsenal’s best signing since Rice

It was on Rice that Arsenal finally decided to spend £100m on. On game day, fans sing, “We got him for half the price,” and it’s hard to argue with that.

Since his move to the Emirates, the midfielder’s reputation, stock and reputation have skyrocketed. He is now one of the best players in the world, a Premier League champion and a player who is being talked about winning the Ballon d’Or. Perhaps a World Cup win this summer could tip the scales in his favor?

But for Arsenal, he was a completely transformative and game-changing signing. As Josh Kroenke said last week, Rice’s arrival was “a big moment for everyone.”

Kroenke continued: “If you’re going to pay that kind of price, it can’t just be about talent on the pitch. You need to buy plug-and-play players, players with leadership qualities off the pitch.”

After moving from east London to north London for £105 million, Rice has rarely missed a game and has produced some of the most memorable moments in the club’s recent history.

His late goal against Manchester United in his debut season is as memorable as his two free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Well, in the form of Rodgers, they could potentially sign a similarly transformative player, with Premier League experience and what Kroenke describes as the definition of plug-and-play.

Like Rice, his fellow England players also have excellent adaptability. The 23-year-old has only missed two league games since the start of the 2024/25 season, one of which was due to suspension.

Furthermore, his quality is second to few players in the top league. Rodgers’ record signing with Arsenal came before his transfer, making him one of the clubs outside the classic ‘big six’ to shine.

The attacking midfielder won the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season, previously won by Bukayo Saka, and has improved steadily over that campaign.

Currently a Europa League winner, Rodgers has scored 14 goals in successive seasons and regularly provides goal assists. He won 16 in 2024/25 and a further 12 in 2025/26.

This signature is important for several reasons. Not only will it raise the ceiling for the champions, but he will become a key player at two positions.

The Villa star’s preferred role is centrally behind the striker, but he can also play on the left, where Arsenal are desperate for new reinforcements.

This season, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have only scored seven goals in the league. It’s worth noting that Arteta’s side were the best team in the league, even though their side lacked quality.

As a result, Rodgers could be a transformative attacking addition to take Arsenal to the next level, similar to what Rice did when he arrived from West Ham.