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Chelsea edge closer to Alonso's first signing as Arsenal 'put off' by price tag

24 May 2026 12:05 BST | 4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their long-standing pursuit of Morgan Rogers ahead of this summer following news that Arsenal have been “put off” by Aston Villa’s asking price.

The England international, who is expected to play a key role at the upcoming World Cup, is one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League and he is one of several stars who could depart Villa Park this summer.

Rogers helped Unai Emery’s side win the Europa League on Wednesday night, but the club may still be forced to sell this summer to comply with financial regulations and the 23-year-old is “the star player most expected to leave,” according to The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/05/21/aston-villa-summer-plan-to-tackle-the-elite/" target="_blank">The Telegraph.

The ex-Middlesbrough attacker has scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in 55 games this season, and he has emerged as a top target for a number of elite European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa had initially hoped to earn a fee of around €115 million for Rogers this summer, however they have reportedly lowered their asking price to roughly €90m after accepting they are unlikely to receive an offer of that value.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Rogers, despite the fact they signed Eberechi Eze last summer, but Mikel Arteta’s side have been “put off” by Rogers’ price tag, as per a report from Ben Jacobs" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo2Oe025k0s" target="_blank">Ben Jacobs.

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Chelsea handed Morgan Rogers boost

With Arsenal unlikely to battle for Rogers’ signature this summer, it means Chelsea will have one less team to compete with when the transfer window opens next month.

The Blues are eager to back Xabi Alonso in the market ahead of the 2026-27 season and it’s understood that Rogers is one of their top targets heading into the summer as they look to bolster their forward options with the addition of a Premier League-proven attacker.

Chelsea have already announced the summer signings of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev and Denner, while a deal for Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco, which is set to be announced shortly" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/chelsea-transfer-news-blues-agree-deal-to-sign-valentin-barco-fabrizio-romano" target="_blank">which is set to be announced shortly, was also in the works before the appointment of Alonso.

Therefore, Rogers would become the club’s first true signing of the Alonso era if he completes a move to Stamford Bridge during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Interest in the Aston Villa star comes amid significant rumours that Enzo Fernandez could leave west London this summer, with Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon potentially set to be his last match for the club" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/chelsea-transfer-news-enzo-fernandez-summer-2026-real-madrid-final-game-sunderland" target="_blank">with Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon potentially set to be his last match for the club.