Arsenal chase Ivorian winger, while Aston Villa sign Wolves midfielder

Arsenal turn attention to Yan Diomande after missing out on Morgan Rogers

Arsenal have reportedly shifted their summer transfer focus to RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after suffering a major setback in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers. 

The Gunners had identified Rogers as their top attacking target, but Chelsea have now agreed a record-breaking £117 million deal to bring the England international to Stamford Bridge, forcing Mikel Arteta’s side to explore alternative options.

The north London club have already made an initial enquiry for Diomande, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, as they assess whether a deal for the highly rated teenager is still possible. 

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in European football following an outstanding breakthrough season in the Bundesliga.

Any move for Diomande is expected to be extremely expensive, with RB Leipzig reportedly valuing the winger at around €120 million (£102m). 

Arsenal are understood to have contacted the player’s representatives in recent days to gather information on the situation and determine whether they can enter the race despite strong competition from elsewhere in Europe.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth up to £38 million. 

The agreement includes an initial fee of £34 million with a further £4 million in performance-related add-ons. 

Gomes becomes Villa’s latest major summer acquisition following the club-record arrival of Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg as Unai Emery continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old attracted interest from Atletico Madrid but opted for a move to Villa Park after leaving Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Portugal to complete his medical. 

Villa’s need for reinforcements in midfield intensified after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United, and Morgan Rogers is set to complete a £117 million move to Chelsea.

Gomes leaves Wolves after making 130 appearances and scoring seven goals since arriving from Flamengo in 2023. 

He featured 41 times last season, earning the club’s Player of the Year award despite Wolves finishing bottom of the Premier League.