Chelsea are in talks with a key target and are trying to sway him towards west London as Arsenal and Man United hesitate, according to reports.
Nearly a month into the Xabi Alonso era, Chelsea's summer is becoming clearer and more complicated by the day.
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Spanish outlet AS reported this week that Joao Pedro has agreed to join Barcelona, a blow that would strip the squad of its most creative forward and sharpen the need for attacking reinforcements.
Meanwhile, The Mail and other sources have reported Enzo Fernández's asking price at £120 million amid continued interest from Real Madrid and Man City.
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Mundo Deportivo also report that Marc Cucurella believes his time at Stamford Bridge is "completely over" and has formally asked to leave, echoing previous claims the left-back is pushing to leave.
The BBC also report that American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has requested a departure and been made available for sale.
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Xabi Alonso's side could be set for a pivotal summer.
On the incoming front, reports this week suggest Chelsea hold a tentative interest in Marcus Rashford after Barca elected not to trigger their buy-option clause, so there is reportedly a lot going on at Cobham.
Amid all of that noise, one story stands above the rest.
Morgan-Rogers-Villa
Morgan Rogers is believed to be a leading target for Chelsea, with the playmaker also admired by a host of top rivals after another stunning season at Villa Park.
Chelsea trying to convince Morgan Rogers as Arsenal and Man United 'dither'
According to reliable Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Alonso's side are actively trying to convince Rogers to make the move out of the Midlands to west London.
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The 23-year-old England international racked up 10 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances last season, plus three goals and five assists across 15 Europa League outings as Villa lifted the trophy in Istanbul.
He was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2025, has 15 senior England caps, and carries a Transfermarkt valuation of around £80m.
Contracted until 2031 after penning a new £120,000-per-week deal, Unai Emery's men hold all the cards here.
Phillips reports that Chelsea are using Alonso's appointment as the centrepiece of their pitch, hoping the Spaniard's reputation can overcome what is otherwise a tough sell.
Both Arsenal and Man United have expressed interest in Rogers but have been slow to act — described by Phillips as "dithering" — and Chelsea have moved into the space left behind, reigniting talks with the midfielder's representatives.
The obstacles are obvious.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring their first goal
Rogers' preference has been Arsenal, and Chelsea's tenth-place finish with no European football to offer makes the argument harder to win.
Villa can counter with Champions League football, a Europa League medal and a manager in Emery who has been central to Rogers' transformation from a Championship midfielder into one of the Premier League's most exciting talents.
Phillips is candid about the odds, admitting he doubts the deal will happen.
But he draws a parallel with the Alonso appointment itself — a move that seemed equally unlikely until it was done.
Rogers is currently with England at the World Cup and is not expected to entertain transfer discussions until the tournament concludes.
Chelsea have made their case, but the rest is up to the player.
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