Arsenal will weigh up a move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White if they fail in their bid to sign Morgan Rogers this summer.
The Gunners are keen on Rogers as Mikel Arteta looks to make further additions to the side that won the Premier League title last season.
Arteta is reportedly driving Arsenal’s interest in the Aston Villa star but they face competition from European champions Paris Saint-Germain with Manchester United also interested in the 23-year-old.
Villa will also be determined to hold onto one of their prized assets ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
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Should a move for Rogers be a non-runner, The Sun report Gibbs-White is a viable alternative at the Emirates.
Gibbs-White was cruelly left out of the England World Cup squad after a magnificent season with Forest, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists.
The midfielder was chased and chased by Tottenham last summer with a £60million move appearing to be on the brink last July.
Forest stood firm, however, at one point threatening Spurs with legal action. Gibbs-White eventually signed a new contract at the City Ground.
As was the case last year, Forest are unlikely to entertain offers for the 26-year-old, particularly with the club already facing a fight to keep hold of Elliot Anderson who is wanted by Manchester City and Manchester United.
Rogers would appear to be Arsenal’s first choice to strengthen in attacking midfield areas, also offering an option on the left.
Arteta has reportedly personally sanctioned a move for the England international but former Villa star Emile Heskey has warned he could find himself down the pecking order in the capital.
‘Would it be difficult to say no to Arsenal? Yes and no,’ the former England international told Metro this week.
‘You have to look at who is ahead of you in both teams. He’s top of the pile at Villa, he is the main man. If he goes to Arsenal, where would he be in that pecking order and does it suit the way he plays?’