Morgan Rogers says he has joined 'the biggest club in London' after turning down interest from Arsenal to join Chelsea. The England international's move from Aston Villa was confirmed on Tuesday night, joining the Blues in a record-breaking £117million deal having signed a seven-year contract in west London.
Record transfer fee
The move breaks the previous record set when Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m at the start of July. It also eclipses the previous club record of £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
Rogers was Arsenal's leading transfer target this summer with the Gunners appearing to be in pole position to bring him down to the capital. Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old and viewed his physicality and versatility in midfield and on the wing as ideal improvements to his Premier League-winning squad.
Chelsea's decisive move
Chelsea moved swiftly and decisively to outflank their London rivals however with a deal agreed on Saturday. Arsenal had hoped to accelerate talks after the World Cup but have instead missed out on the man Arteta was desperate to bring to north London. Reports have claimed Rogers spoke directly to Arteta at one stage where the Arsenal boss laid out his plans for him. Chelsea's pitch was the more convincing however.
Chelsea announced the deal on their social media channels alongside the message 'he chose Chelsea.' In the announcement video, former Blues star turned pundit Jason Cundy asked Rogers, 'Why Chelsea, why now?'
Rogers explains his decision
Rogers responded: 'I'm joining the biggest club in London. The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward, it is something that I want to be a part of and I think it was just perfect for me. I'm a free spirit, free-flowing footballer, I like to take risks, make things happen, change games, whatever that might take. I can't wait to get going.'
In his first interview with the club's official website, Rogers also highlighted the presence of new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso as a pivotal factor. 'I'm really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we've got and where the club is heading. That's why I'm here and I can't wait to get started.'
