Chelsea reportedly have a plan in place to launch a bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers. The Blues have splashed the cash on attacking reinforcements so far this summer, and further reinforcements in the final third are eyed.
Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have all arrived at Stamford Bridge, but Enzo Maresca’s overhaul is far from complete and the Chelsea manager is now armed with Club World Cup earnings to complete his spending spree.
According to The Telegraph, Rogers remains a target for the Blues, having been linked with acquiring his services previously. However, a move will hinge on whether they receive an approach from Aston Villa for Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese international faces an uncertain future at Chelsea due to the wealth of attacking talent now on their books, and his situation has caught the eye of a host of top clubs around Europe.
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Villa are among those to be interested in signing the 24-year-old, as well as Manchester United. Unai Emery worked with the forward at Villarreal and played a key role in accelerating his development with an almighty show of faith with his game time.
If Villa were to make an approach, Chelsea would ‘immediately’ respond by making a bid for Rogers, incentivised by the prospect of both deals taking place in tandem. It is unclear whether this would be a play to strike a player-plus-cash swap deal or two separate transfers.
Rogers was one of the breakout stars of last season, asserting himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in the Premier League with 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. The 22-year-old’s impressive campaign saw him rewarded with an England call-up, and he has earned three caps since.
Rogers is capable of playing across the frontline and as a No. 10, and his versatility could prove key for Chelsea next season as they prepare to battle it out on all fronts. Further signings out wide are not being ruled out either though, with Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho and Lyon youngster Malick Fofana still among their thinking.
Jackson is also capable of playing on the wing when required, but the higher powers at Stamford Bridge may feel that he could prove more useful being used as a makeweight in negotiations with Villa for an alternative target.