Rogers and Fofana speak out after Arsenal passed on both wingers in summer window

Arsenal enter Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium having passed on two wingers who are now speaking warmly about their new clubs, raising fresh questions about the Gunners’ summer recruitment.

Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea after being linked with Arsenal, has already caught the eye in west London. Blues manager Xabi Alonso was effusive in his assessment of the England international. “For sure, Morgan was a big, big one to get — a player of his stature in the present and future. He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He’s had a great impact,” Alonso said.

Arsenal did sign Christos Tzolis early in the window but did not bring in another left winger despite losing both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli from the squad. The club also explored a move for Vinicius Junior, though the Brazilian ultimately remained at Real Madrid.

Belgian winger Malick Fofana was another option reportedly offered to Arsenal late in the transfer window, only for the club to decline a permanent deal. Fofana instead joined Sunderland on deadline day after a brief period of uncertainty that saw Crystal Palace enter the picture. The 21-year-old made clear he felt wanted at the Stadium of Light. “I spoke with a lot of people before coming here, and they gave me the feeling they really wanted me,” he said.

The comments from both players arrive at a pointed moment for Arsenal, who head into Sunday’s top-of-the-table meeting with Chelsea as one of four Premier League sides still carrying a perfect record. The Gunners have not lost to Chelsea in more than five years — their last defeat coming in August 2021 when Romelu Lukaku and Reece James scored in a 2-0 win for the Blues.

Defender Jurrien Timber is in contention to feature on Sunday as he continues his return from injury, while William Saliba remains further from fitness. Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated there are positive signs in the French centre-back’s recovery, though he is not expected to be available imminently.