Arsenal are preparing their first offer for Morgan Rogers, according to Football Insider, as the Gunners prepare for changes in their midfield department.

The Premier League champions have had a slightly subdued start to the transfer window compared to some of their rivals so far, with less work to do to stay at the very top.

There is still a desire to strengthen the options available to Mikel Arteta, however, with talks underway to sign Christos Tzolis and Jeremy Monga as squad options.

Then there’s a push for Bruno Guimaraes on the cards, with one bid rejected, and a second expected for the Newcastle midfielder in the coming days.

Arsenal have started to ramp up their interest in key targets, and it seems as though Rogers could be the next option the club pushes to sign.

Morgan Rogers Bid Prepared

With a move for Guimaraes stepping up, Football Insider claims Arsenal are expected to make an opening bid for Rogers in the coming weeks of the transfer window.

The England international is claimed to be a “top target” for the Gunners, though any deal could be tough to strike with Aston Villa.

Rogers has a deal until 2031 at Villa Park, and it’s claimed that Unai Emery’s side are firmly against a sale. That said, any offer worth over £100 million would be enough for them to agree a deal.

It’s unclear what Arsenal’s starting point for the 23-year-old will be, as they set themselves up to make the first offer. However, it could be the start of a long saga that the North London club will hope ends in a deal to sign the versatile forward.

It would be quite the statement of intent from the Gunners too, signing a player who has been described as “one of the world’s best” in recent seasons.

Arsenal Mean Business In Transfer Window

Arsenal are showing they mean business this summer transfer window, with moves for Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers. The pair have been quality options for Premier League sides regularly making Europe, who will no doubt command huge fees.

But, after winning the division, it’s clear that the Gunners believe they can do what it takes to convince the stars to move to North London, irrespective of the fees.

That could see them move from strength to strength, platforming a pair of superstars into a team that is already filled with quality and hard-working talent around them.

It’s unclear whether it will be enough to make the side look more comfortable in the key moments, or if it will get them over the line in pursuit of the Champions League.

However, it shows that Arsenal aren’t happy just winning trophies once. They mean business and intend to do it all over again.

Rangers face an uphill task to land a transfer target for Derek McInnes, according to Football Insider, in a potential swap deal for Nicolas Raskin.

It comes as the Ibrox outfit face the possibility of losing the Belgian midfielder as part of a larger change within the squad, following last season’s disappointing finish.

The arrival of McInnes, along with Lawrence Shankland, may create the fresh start that Rangers need to fire them back towards the Scottish Premiership.

However, more moves will be required. There are links for a few options, but that may only come with an exit or two from Rangers in the coming weeks.

Rangers Swap Deal For Lewis Ferguson

Rangers have been linked with a move for Lewis Ferguson, the Bologna star who has previously featured under McInnes during their time together at Aberdeen.

The reunion has appeared as a possibility, as the Serie A side are interested in Raskin, with negotiations planned to land the midfielder from Ibrox this summer.

The chance of a swap deal appears tough, however, as Football Insider claims that the complex move is “difficult”, as Ferguson’s availability remains a sticking point in discussions.

An issue remains about the valuation of the Scotland international, who is described as “expensive”, especially following his recent outing in the World Cup.

Interest is seemingly set to ramp up in the 26-year-old, but Rangers may find it increasingly tough to get an agreement for their latest transfer target.

That won’t seemingly impact a possible exit for Raskin, however, with Bologna among the teams expected to continue pursuing a move for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

How Much Rangers Want For Raskin

Rangers are still expected to lose Raskin this summer, regardless of whether it results in a potential swap deal with Bologna for Ferguson as his replacement.

The report from Football Insider claims a £20 million price tag has been placed on the Belgian international, as he continues to gain interest in his services.

Another Serie A side, Atalanta, have been linked with Raskin as a potential option this summer, and they likely won’t be the last to join the race.

It remains to be seen where he could end up, but Rangers will be keen to invest the funds well to give McInnes the best chance of succeeding next season.

FIFA have been called out by football fans after denying France’s request to honour Didier Deschamps’ late mother, Ginette, at the 2026 World Cup.

France defeated a weakened Norway side on Saturday afternoon at Boston Stadium to clinch top spot in Group I. Norway made 10 changes to their side that beat Senegal and Les Bleus took full advantage as they picked up all three points.

Ousmane Dembele scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick and Desire Doue got on the scoresheet in the fourth minute of stoppage-time to give the two-time world champions a 4-1 victory.

France manager Didier Deschamps was not present at the match after his mother passed away earlier this week. The French Football Federation (FFF) said in a statement on Tuesday:

“The national team coach was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of his mother.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, who is present at the French national team’s training camp, Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant, Guy Stephan, with the responsibility of leading the squad until his return. During this extremely painful time, we ask for your utmost respect and restraint.”

France Have Request to Honour Didier Deschamps’ Mother Denied By FIFA

REUTERS/Mandel Ngan

France had plans to honour Deschamps’ late mother for their match against Norway. They planned to wear black armbands in tribute to Ginette, but FIFA denied their request, according to The Athletic.

FIFA’s decision has not gone down well on social media, with many users on Reddit expressing their annoyance. One user said: ‘What could possibly be the reason to say no to that?’ while another stated: ‘Just when you think you can’t hate FIFA anymore…’

A third commented: ‘FIFA is a joke’ while a fourth wrote: ‘Would it kill FIFA to do something good for once?’

There was also confusion surrounding the minute’s silence. A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, with the FFF telling journalists that it was in tribute to Deschamps’ late mother.

However, they clarified shortly after that they were mistaken, with FIFA telling them the silence had been prearranged in honour of the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake.

Didier Deschamps To Return to France Squad

Lev Radin/Sipa USA via Reuters

Deschamps’ assistant, Stephan, revealed after their victory against Norway that France’s long-serving manager would make his return this weekend. He said after the match, per the Mirror:

“The players did what they had to do [against Norway]. They were very affected by this loss. They heard Didier talk and tell them that he had to leave. They did hear that from Didier directly.

“They are very close to Didier and wanted to do something special on the pitch… I did congratulate them at the end of the match and said Didier will be back for the training session tomorrow and [before] the Round of 32.”

France, considered the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy for a third time on July 19, will face Sweden in the last 32 of the competition. If they come through that tie, a mouthwatering last 16 clash against Germany could be in store.