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Arsenal targets Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa plot squad shake-up, Crystal Palace eye Pierre Sage and Man Utd on alert for Rafael Leao - Paper Round
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Published 31/05/2026 at 23:09 GMT+1
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly targeted Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers as he looks to reconstruct his squad following a painful UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
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The club are eager to bolster their options on the left flank and in the No. 10 role, which could lead to high-profile departures from North London.
The Mirror reports: ”Mikel Arteta wants to start a summer plan to build on this season's success - and has got Morgan Rogers firmly in his sights. Gunners boss Arteta sent a clear message to the Arsenal hierarchy after the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
”Rogers is also attracting interest from the likes of PSG after another impressive season for Unai Emery's men amid a belief that Villa might sell to help balance the books.
”It remains to be seen whether Villa will sell, but Rogers is getting admiring glances from Arsenal because he can play as a No.10 and also wide left which is a key area that Arteta wants to strengthen.
”This summer they want to add quality, but they also need to trim the squad to make way for new faces with Gabriel Martinelli a possible departure.
”There is also interest in Gabriel Jesus, even though the Brazil star is in no rush to leave with one year left on his deal.”
Aston Villa prepare major summer clearout
Aston Villa are ready to drastically reshape their squad before next season by listening to offers for several long-serving stars and expensive fringe players.
Unai Emery’s side are looking to balance financial compliance with fresh reinforcement, plotting a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford while letting loan deals for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott expire.
The i Paper explains: ”Winger Leon Bailey is worth getting off the wage bill, and a more difficult departure would be selling Tyrone Mings, the 33-year-old who has been an incredible servant for the club but has fallen down the centre-back pecking order.
”Matty Cash needs stronger competition, meaning Andres Garcia is likely to leave after an injury-hit season, while one of Lucas Digne or Ian Maatsen could go. Digne, 32, played more minutes at left-back than Maatsen this season, but it is the latter who Villa could sell for a larger fee.
”Crystal Palace have the option to buy Evann Guessand after signing the forward on loan in January, while 22-year-old defensive midfielder Lamare Bogarde may be worth selling for the right price. Replacing Martinez with James Trafford would have one eye on the future.
”The i Paper reported earlier this month that Villa are hopeful of beating Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to the signature of the England international, and they are the only club from that list playing European football next season.
”Elsewhere, Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes is a reported target in an area where Villa need to strengthen, with loan spells for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott ending.”
Palace pivot to Lens boss Sage
Crystal Palace have opened exploratory talks with Lens head coach Pierre Sage as their pursuit of Andoni Iraola collapses.
With Iraola now expected to fill the vacancy at Liverpool, The Eagles are looking at the highly-rated 47-year-old tactician following his stellar, trophy-winning campaign in France.
The Mail states: ”Crystal Palace are exploring a move for Lens' highly-rated head coach Pierre Sage with first choice Andoni Iraola now expected to join [Liverpool].
”Lens won the French Cup and pushed Paris St Germain all the way in the French league. Their style of play prompted praise from an impressed PSG boss Luis Enrique who said Sage deserved to win the country's coach of the year title.
”The 47-year-old was already on Palace's radar along with the likes of Frank Lampard and Dino Toppmöller but their main target was Iraola because of his Premier League experience.”
United on alert after Leao announcement
Manchester United have been handed a massive transfer boost following Rafael Leao's shock announcement that he will leave AC Milan this summer.
Michael Carrick's side are determined to land a marquee winger ahead of their return to the Champions League and could secure the Portuguese star for a cut-price fee.
The Daily Express reports: ”Manchester United-linked Rafael Leao has announced he will be departing AC Milan at the end of the season. The Portugal international has been touted with a move to the Premier League in recent years, and over recent weeks, the Red Devils have emerged as a club with a keen interest.
”The 26-year-old's declaration is likely to place United on high alert as Michael Carrick's side seek to strengthen their squad ahead of their first Champions League campaign since 2023-24.
”Leao is reported to be available for a bargain fee of around £43 million this summer, following the Italian giants being forced to settle for the Europa League.
”Leao has consistently been linked with a switch to the Premier League, most notably Chelsea, but a move to Old Trafford has emerged as the latest potential destination, with United understood to be actively seeking a new winger this summer.”
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