Chelsea are poised to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m, a record-breaking fee that makes the attacking midfielder the most expensive English player in history. Rogers has agreed terms on a six-year contract and is due to undergo a medical on Monday.
Interest from Arsenal and Chelsea's Swift Move
Arsenal were also keen on Rogers and made contact with Villa this month, but Chelsea have long tracked the 23-year-old's progress and moved quickly to secure one of new manager Xabi Alonso's top targets. The deal is a significant boost for the Spaniard, who was hired as Chelsea's manager in May.
Rogers' Stellar Season
Rogers played an instrumental role in Villa reaching the Champions League and winning the Europa League last season, providing 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He has also been a key player for England at the World Cup, starting on the right wing in the semi-final defeat by Argentina and creating the opening goal for Anthony Gordon.
Chelsea's Rebuilding and Record Signing
Chelsea are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season with no European football. Rogers is in line to become their record signing, surpassing the £115m paid for Moisés Caicedo in 2023. The club bolstered their transfer budget by selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and Andrey Santos to Manchester United. Further funds could arrive if an offer comes in for Enzo Fernández, who wants to leave. Madrid remain interested in the Argentina midfielder, and it is understood Chelsea are tracking Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Chelsea also want to sign France defender Maxence Lacroix from Palace.
Villa's Reinvestment and Other Transfers
Villa will look to reinvest the money received for Rogers in their squad. They signed Rogers for £7m plus £8m in add-ons from Middlesbrough in January 2024, and he has become the most expensive English player, beating the £116m Manchester City paid to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Villa have sold Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and are expected to conclude a deal for Lucas Digne to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Roma's Offer for Summerville
Roma have sent an offer of £39m to West Ham for Crysencio Summerville. The Netherlands winger has attracted interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Villa, and Fulham. It remains to be seen whether the terms are acceptable to West Ham, who have been boosted by Jarrod Bowen committing his future to the club after relegation to the Championship.
