Morgan Rogers recently put pen to paper on a new contract, but before that the Aston Villa star was being linked to Chelsea and several other clubs.
The Chelsea Chronicle was told in the summer that Chelsea thought there was an opportunity to sign Rogers.
In the end, though, the attacking midfielder remained at Villa Park and is now helping them to enjoy another season. Unai Emery’s side currently find themselves fourth in the Premier League table, just two points behind the Blues.
Rogers is in form right now, but that was not the case at the start of the campaign, and Troy Deeney thinks Chelsea are to blame for that.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo competing for the ball.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Troy Deeney claims Chelsea interest got to Morgan Rogers
Rogers failed to score in any of his first seven Premier League games this season. According to Deeney, that was down to Chelsea’s interest, with the former Watford striker believing that it unsettled him.
After naming the 23-year-old in his Team of the Week for BBC Sport, Deeney said: “I didn’t think he had a great start to the season. I think he was a little bit entitled and thought he maybe could have got a move to Chelsea, and probably wanted that, but he seems to have settled down.
“Two great goals obviously against Leeds dragged his team from behind. He was the difference maker.”
Following his contract extension at Villa Park, it is going to be difficult for the Blues to sign him.
However, The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Rogers remains a player of interest at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers celebrating goal
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Chelsea should consider Morgan Rogers move next year
Again, with a contract until 2031, Chelsea will find it tricky to land Rogers. Nevertheless, it could still be worth making a move for him.
With Facundo Buonanotte failing to make much of an impact and set to return to Brighton & Hove Albion next summer, Enzo Maresca could do with another No.10. And Rogers is one of the best in the Premier League.
He was very productive for Villa last season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in 37 top-flight outings. Simply put, Rogers could be the perfect alternative to Cole Palmer, while he could also start alongside his England teammate from the left.
If Chelsea do want to sign a new attacking midfielder in 2026, Rogers should be at the top of their list.