Chelsea have reached a deal with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal were considered favourites to sign him before Chelsea swooped in, agreeing to pay a British record £117 million fee for Rogers. The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.
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Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali negotiated the deal directly with Aston Villa owner, according to The Telegraph.
Manager Xabi Alonso also played a role, outlining his vision to Rogers, while his close relationship with Cole Palmer was another factor in his decision to join Chelsea.
Middlesbrough are set to bank £15m windfall after negotiating a sell-on clause when Rogers joined Villa in February 2024.
Chelsea’s interest in Rogers predate this summer, having made him a top target last summer after signing Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
However, they went on to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United instead.
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Garnacho and Gittens struggled last season, prompting Chelsea to reignite their interest in the midfielder.
There were doubts over whether Chelsea could afford Rogers, and whether he would be open to joining the west London side after they failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
His signing represents a major coup for the club and sends a strong statement to their fans about their ambition.
Rogers enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season, helping Villa secure Champions League qualification and win the UEFA Europa League.
The West Bromwich academy graduate was also brilliant in the 2024/25 season, winning the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
He has made 125 appearances across all competitions for the Villans, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists.
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