Arsenal news with first deal ‘confirmed’ as Rogers reacts to transfer rumours | Football | Sport

Mikel Arteta’s ambitions to capitalise on Arsenal’s Premier League triumph are already gathering momentum this summer. That’s in spite of World Cup throwing a spanner in the works by preventing certain players from sorting out their club futures. The Emirates Stadium looks as attractive a proposition as it has in recent memory following the Gunners’ latest achievements.

Nevertheless, Arteta is under pressure to use his funds shrewdly as he looks to create a dynasty in north London. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among the names being touted for a switch to Arsenal amid his World Cup commitments. Express Sport examines the latest developments from around the Emirates as the Gunners’ summer overhaul begins to take shape…

Arteta’s first summer signing

Arsenal are on the brink of completing their first signing of the summer, following reports that Arnaldo Abrantes is set to assume the role of the club’s new head doctor. The former Olympic sprinter is expected to succeed Dr Zafar Iqbal, who has departed after two years at the Emirates.

Abrantes became available following his exit from Aston Villa at the conclusion of this season. The 39-year-old previously served as head of performance at Nottingham Forest for three years before relocating to Birmingham.

The medical department is an area Arsenal will be keen to strengthen after a troublesome run of injuries. Having the strongest possible squad available consistently is one area where rival clubs can gain a significant advantage over the course of a season.

Captain Martin Odegaard was particularly hampered among the squad’s most prominent figures. The Norwegian missed a considerable amount of playing time and was restricted to just 16 league starts, while Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also endured an unfortunate spell on the sidelines.

The Athletic reported that Abrantes will officially begin his role at Arsenal in July, becoming the third doctor to arrive from Villa in recent months. He previously represented Portugal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he was knocked out in the opening rounds.

Rogers addresses transfer links

Another potential acquisition from Villa, England star Rogers has opened up on what it’s like to be linked with the biggest clubs in the country. More specifically, the No.10 has spoken about how such speculation can influence his performances on the pitch.

When asked whether transfer rumours had ever affected his output, the creative midfielder told The Rest Is Football: “I think the first time it ever happened it was.

“You’re in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you and you’re not quite realising that. But as you get older and gain experience along the way, you know that comes with it and 95 per cent of it is just noise.

“You hear it, course you do. You can’t help not. You know it’s there but you’ve got to use it in a positive way. You just try and get on with your game and just focus.”

Rogers, 23, is currently Stateside with England as they prepare for their World Cup 2026 campaign. The tournament means any prospective transfer is unlikely to materialise until the Three Lions are knocked out of the competition.

The former Manchester City youngster Rogers won’t come cheap, however, with his contract at Villa running until 2031. Consequently, reports suggest any club looking to sign the attacker could face a fee exceeding £80million should he depart this summer.