Morgan Rogers has revealed that Xabi Alonso played a “massive” role in convincing him to join Chelsea. The England international completed his £117million move from Aston Villa on Tuesday night to become the most expensive British player of all time. His price tag eclipsed Elliot Anderson’s £116m fee that Manchester City paid to lure the midfielder away from Nottingham Forest.
Rogers on choosing Chelsea over Arsenal
Rogers, 23, had been Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, but London rivals Chelsea gazumped them, landing the forward in a flash. “The size of the club, the stature, the progression and the way that the club wants to move forward,” Rogers said when asked why he had chosen Chelsea. “It’s something I want to be a part of. It was perfect for me.”
Alonso conversations swayed decision
“I have had a few conversations with [Alonso]. It’s important for me to understand what the manager is like, how he is and how he wants to operate, and it very much fits with the way I see the game, the way that I want to play and the way that I want to be me, be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was a massive [element] of the decision for me to be here.”
Alonso's transfer activity
Rogers becomes Alonso’s second signing of the Spaniard’s reign, since the former Real Madrid boss took over the reins from Liam Rosenior. Marco Palestra, the Italian wing-back, was his first arrival after a £47million move from Atalanta. Geovany Quenda has also completed his switch from Sporting CP, while Emmanuel Emegha has also moved to England from sister club Strasbourg. Chelsea remain in active talks for Maxence Lacroix, the Crystal Palace centre-back, while they also hold interest in free agent John Stones and Jacobo Ramon, with Alonso keen to add one or two central defenders to his ranks.
