Chelsea are already holding internal talks over a £100 million bid to sign one Aston Villa star this summer, with manager Liam Rosenior giving his green-light.
On the field, Cole Palmer etched his name into Chelsea folklore by striking a magnificent first-half hat-trick as the Blues cruised to a 3-1 triumph over basement dwellers Wolves at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
Cole-Palmer goals per season (timeless)
The England international became Chelsea's all-time leading hat-trick scorer in Premier League history with his fourth treble for the club, surpassing iconic names including Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Palmer also became the first player ever to register three separate first-half hat-tricks in the competition's history.
Rosenior's side raced into a commanding lead inside 38 minutes despite a sluggish opening, with two woeful defensive errors gifting Palmer penalty opportunities.
Matt Doherty needlessly tripped João Pedro inside the box after just 13 minutes despite the Brazilian carrying possession away from danger, allowing Palmer to dispatch coolly into the bottom corner.
Atletico de Madrid's Julian Alvarez (r) and FK Bodo:Glimt's Sondre Auklend Related
[Chelsea willing to break bank for "world-class" £87m star, they're pushing hard](https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-willing-to-break-bank-julian-alvarez-transfer-news/ "Chelsea willing to break bank for "world-class" £87m star, they're pushing hard")
The Blues are determined to get a deal done.
Chelsea dominated possession but wasted several presentable chances through Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández before Wolves committed another calamitous error.
Yerson Mosquera shoved Pedro blatantly in the back when the forward posed minimal threat, handing Palmer his second spot-kick which he converted with trademark composure in the 35th minute.
The 23-year-old completed his treble three minutes later following excellent build-up play, finishing emphatically into the roof of the net after Cucurella's perfectly weighted cutback.
liam-rosenior-chelsea-premier-league
Chelsea survived a controversial VAR decision when José Sá appeared to catch Pedro Neto collecting possession, but the officials controversially waved away penalty appeals.
The victory represents Chelsea's fourth consecutive Premier League win under Rosenior, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive as they remain within striking distance of Man United.
Off the field, it is believed that Stamford Bridge chiefs are already planning for the summer, and one of their top targets is Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with Rogers before, but this year, they're apparently prepared to break the bank.
Chelsea 'openly discussing' £100m Morgan Rogers bid after green light
According to a report by journalist Raul Cabrera Jimenez in Spain, Chelsea are 'openly discussing' a bid of around £100m for Rogers after also getting the 'green light' from Rosenior himself.
Rogers has been one of the Premier League's most impressive performers these last two seasons, establishing himself as a vital component in Villa's attacking setup.
His consistent development and growing influence haven't escaped the attention of England's elite clubs.
Morgan Rogers graphic
Villa are said to acknowledge Chelsea's interest but feel no pressure to sell.
However, sources suggest a nine-figure offer would force serious negotiations.
Rogers himself hasn't ruled out the switch either, recognising Chelsea's superior European ambitions and title-winning aspirations could represent the ideal next step in his career.
However, as Villa have previously informed interested clubs, Rogers won't be leaving unless it is for an irresistible sum, and Emery's side are in a great negotiating position after agreeing a new deal with the ex-Middlesbrough star in November.
The 23-year-old England star boasts 10 goals and seven assists from 35 appearances in all competitions already, with Chelsea paying serious attention ahead of June.
chelsea-premier-league Related
Weekly wages: Chelsea FC 2025/26 highest-paid players
Here's how much Todd Boehly is playing his players at Stamford Bridge...