Morgan Rogers vs Bradley Barcola: Arsenal have an easy transfer decision

2 Jul 2026 12:58 BST | 5 min read

Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Arsenal are expected to be extremely busy in the transfer market yet again this summer and they have earmarked the left winger position as a key area in need of reinforcement.

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Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli shared starting XI duties last season, but Mikel Arteta wants to sign an upgrade on both players and widespread reports have confirmed that a new option is likely to arrive before the end of Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

Current ETV

Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CL)

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CL)

A. Villa

ETV Range

€65.1M - €79.6M

The likes of Nico Williams, Christos Tzolis and Kerim Alajbegovic have all subsequently been linked with a move to Arsenal, however Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola appear to be the two most likely candidates for the role.

There is, of course, a chance that both players arrive at the Emirates Stadium before the end of the summer window, but the Gunners don’t have an unlimited transfer budget and they may be required to prioritise one of them.

If that is the case, Arsenal should have an easy decision on their hands, although they could be making the wrong one in reality.

Morgan Rogers vs Bradley Barcola for Arsenal

FootballTransfers understands that Rogers has been identified as a priority transfer target by the Arsenal hierarchy, with Arteta himself keen to finalise a deal for the England international this summer.

Rogers has been one of the Premier League’s best players over the last two seasons and it’s highly likely that he would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Morgan Rogers this summer

A fee has not yet been agreed with Aston Villa, but we have been told that Rogers is open to joining the north London giants before the summer window closes and with a proven track-record in the English top flight, it’s understandable why Arsenal are determined to sign him.

However, Barcola is also on their radar and with both players likely to cost in excess of €100 million, Arsenal should prioritise the Frenchman for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Barcola is an out-and-out winger and Rogers simply isn’t. Given the make-up of Arsenal’s squad, it’s clear why Barcola is the more suitable option.

In Eberechi Eze, Arsenal signed an England attacker who is best when deployed as a No.10, but can play as a left winger if required. Their style of play is vastly different, but Rogers is the exact same profile in regards to his preferred position and versatility.

In addition to Eze, Arsenal also have Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz as options to play in an attacking midfield role, meaning Rogers may rarely play in his preferred zone if he moves to the Emirates Stadium.

By signing the Villa star, Arsenal would likely be forced to play him out of position, and given that an investment of well over €100m will be needed to secure his signature, that doesn’t seem like the wisest idea.

Barcola, however, is a true left winger and with Yan Diomande potentially set to arrive at the Parc des Princes this summer, Paris Saint-Germain could be amenable to a sale.

© IMAGO - Bradley Barcola has been tipped to leave PSG

The France international is far from perfect and his end product can certainly improve, but he possesses the raw attributes that suggest he would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal. His acceleration is world-class, his close control is excellent and his movement, pace and dribbling prowess means he is a constant threat to full-backs.

Barcola registered 20 goal contributions in 49 games last season and he has been a key part of PSG’s formidable attack under Luis Enrique. He also has two goals and one assist in four appearances at the World Cup and, having won the Champions League in back-to-back years, he would bring crucial top-level experience with him.

Rogers is a superb footballer and there is little doubt that he would improve Arsenal’s squad if the Gunners sign him this summer. But, if it’s a toss-up between him and Barcola, the Frenchman is who should be picked.

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