CHELSEA AGREE £117M FEE FOR ASTON VILLA WINGER ROGERS

Chelsea have agreed a £117 million transfer fee for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, according to reports. The 23-year-old England international has agreed a six-year contract with the club and a medical is scheduled for Monday. Stamford Bridge was Rogers' preferred destination, the reports state. Arsenal had previously been considered the likely destination for the player.

Rogers played for Aston Villa last season, accumulating 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 games in all competitions. The club won the Europa League during that period. Rogers began his career at Middlesbrough before joining Aston Villa in the 2024 winter window for an initial £7 million plus £8 million in add-ons. Middlesbrough included a 20 per cent sell-on clause in that deal, meaning they will receive a significant proportion of the transfer fee.

The signing represents the first major acquisition for Xabi Alonso, who became Chelsea's manager earlier this year. The fee would make Rogers Chelsea's club-record signing, surpassing the previous record. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season. Rogers represented England at the recent World Cup, assisting in the semi-final against Argentina.