Morgan Rogers has completed his £117million move to Chelsea from Aston Villa, with the England international saying that Xabi Alonso was a massive influence in his decision to join the Blues over Arsenal.
Chelsea record signing Morgan Rogers has aimed a dig at Arsenal after snubbing the Premier League champions. The England international described the Blues as 'the biggest club in London' as the Gunners saw their long-running pursuit of the 23-year-old come to an end.
Record signing and Alonso influence
Xabi Alonso welcomed his latest summer arrival as the West Londoners gazumped their city rivals to the signature of one of the standout performers in the Premier League, last season. In doing so, they shattered the record fee that they paid for Enzo Fernandez with Rogers becoming a club-record signing for £117million.
The former Aston Villa playmaker will be set for an awkward meeting with Arsenal when the two clubs lock horns on September 6. However, his comments after penning terms with Chelsea will go a long way to increasing the bitterness over the title-holders' failed pursuit.
Rogers' comments on Chelsea and Arsenal
He said: "For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I've always admired since I was a kid."
"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."
Arsenal were heavily tipped to secure the signature of the highly coveted England star but reportedly baulked at exceeding their £80m valuation. Chelsea, on the other hand, were more prepared to meet Villa's asking price, leading to swift progress in negotiations.
Influence of Palmer and Shields
Cole Palmer, a close mate of Rogers' from their shared time in Manchester City's academy, is also believed to have influenced the latter's decision to choose Chelsea. Joe Shields, one of the Blues' sporting directors who worked for City's academy during Rogers' stint in Manchester, is thought to have played a part in luring the Englishman to London.
"I've had a few conversations with him and I think it's important for me to be here and to understand what the manager is like, how he is and how he wants to operate," he added on discussions with his new manager.
"It very much fits with the way I see the game, the way I want to play, and the way I want to be me, be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was massive in my decision to be here."
World Cup and Europa League success
Rogers returned from America after England's ill-fated World Cup campaign on Monday and immediately underwent a medical to finalise his move to Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old couldn't inspire Thomas Tuchel's side to glory in North America, bowing out in the semi-final to Argentina, but he was on hand to play the entirety of their third-place playoff win over France.
Championship side Middlesbrough banked a hefty transfer windfall after a 20 percent sell-on clause was included in the deal which took him to Aston Villa.
The Europa League holders said in a statement: "Since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, helping Villa to lift the UEFA Europa League last term, scoring the third goal in the final in Istanbul."
"During his time at the club, he also earned his first senior England caps, representing his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Three Lions finished third."
"A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career. He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories."
