Rogers to Chelsea for a British-record £117m
Morgan Rogers is a Chelsea player. The deal was confirmed Tuesday, July 21, with a fee of £117m making him the most expensive British footballer ever (2) (5). Arsenal had been in the race but could not agree terms with Aston Villa, and Chelsea moved decisively (1). Rogers did not hide his feelings: "For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I've always admired since I was a kid" (7). Ouch.
Guimaraes talks are moving fast
Arsenal have opened direct club-to-club negotiations with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes, with sporting director Andrea Berta leading the talks (5) (6). That is a step up from the intermediary discussions that preceded them. A gap in valuation still exists, and Newcastle are reportedly mystified by how quickly things are accelerating (4). Guimaraes is your top midfield target right now.
Arteta wants Stones on a free
John Stones is a free agent after his Manchester City contract expired, and Mikel Arteta wants him (8). The connection is obvious: Arteta coached Stones at City. With William Saliba set to miss the start of the season, Stones would provide experienced cover.
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Martinelli could be sold
Arsenal are ready to sell Gabriel Martinelli this summer (7). Atletico Madrid have registered interest, and Newcastle have been urged to accelerate a move (8) (10). The thinking seems to be that selling Martinelli would help fund a move for Bradley Barcola, though Liverpool are also pushing hard for the French winger (8) (9).
Nelson attracts Benfica and Valencia
Reiss Nelson is open to leaving England, and both Benfica and Valencia are monitoring his situation (10) (13) (16). The winger has been a peripheral figure and a summer exit looks likely.
Sagoe Jr. impresses on loan
Charles Sagoe Jr. provided an assist for Kalmar FF and has attracted permanent transfer interest from AIK (12). The Arsenal loanee is making an impression in Sweden.
Fan reactions
The Rogers news stung. On r/Gunners, the tone was frustration, not just at losing a target but at losing him to Chelsea and hearing him call them the biggest club in London (Reddit thread). The Nelson exit talk was more pragmatic, most fans accepting it is time for him to move on (Reddit thread). Pre-season energy is also building, with excitement bubbling for the opener against Coventry City in a month.
