Flashscore sources: World Cup exits set to shape Arsenal's moves for Rogers and Alvarez

The Gunners are entering a crucial phase of their squad planning for next season and are closely monitoring two of the standout players involved in the heavyweight clash.

On the England side, Arsenal remain huge admirers of Aston Villa star Rogers, while Argentina forward Alvarez continues to feature prominently on the club's shortlist. 

Arsenal have already been forced into transfer mode during the World Cup after Brazil's early elimination brought Bruno Guimaraes' situation at Newcastle to the fore as he pushes to join them.

Now, attention is turning to Rogers and Alvarez, with both players likely to become central figures in the club's summer strategy.

Rogers is viewed internally as an ideal addition for their attacking plans, but persuading Aston Villa to sell is not likely to be straightforward.

Villa are already losing Youri Tielemans for £35 million despite wanting to keep the Belgian midfielder, leaving them determined not to part with another key player unless a huge offer arrives. As things stand, Rogers is expected to command a fee in excess of £120m.

Any deal could ultimately depend on the England international pushing for a move, although Arsenal are unlikely to know whether that is a realistic possibility until Rogers returns from the United States following England's World Cup campaign. Only then will the Gunners begin testing Villa's resolve with formal discussions. 

The situation surrounding Alvarez appears slightly more straightforward - because it is becoming clear the forward wants to leave Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona have recently submitted a significant offer that has put the Catalan club at the front of the queue, but Atletico are reluctant to strengthen a direct domestic rival - potentially creating an opportunity for him to move to a Premier League club.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth an initial €75 million and remains a player of significant interest to Arsenal, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.

The 26-year-old's desire to move has been clear for some time. Atletico even rejected a €150m bid from Real Madrid last month, but there is believed to be considerably less resistance to the prospect of selling him outside Spain.

That could work in Arsenal's favour - but the financial implications are still vast at a time when they are looking into other transfers as well.

Early informal enquiries have encouraged the north London club, with indications that Alvarez likes the way Arsenal have shaped up under Mikel Arteta.

Wednesday's World Cup meeting between England and Argentina is already one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament - but the Arsenal focus on Rogers and Alvarez certainly adds another layer of intrigue.