It has been a long time since Chelsea’s initial interest in Morgan Rogers emerged. Now, Aston Villa’s England star has an agreement in principle amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
Rogers has enjoyed a brilliant season with Aston Villa. The Europa League’s best player, England attacker Rogers, had a hand in 26 goals in 55 appearances for the Midlands club for the entirety of 2025-26.
If you could pick Chelsea’s next no.10, would you have Bellingham or Rogers?
Currently with England’s World Cup squad, there was genuine belief that Rogers could start for England ahead of Jude Bellingham, which proves just how good Rogers has been. Chelsea have been linked.
For many months, Rogers has been deemed a key target for the Blues, and there has been a realistic chance that a £100m fee would change hands. But Arsenal are also interested in signing Villa’s Rogers.
Agreement in principle in place for Chelsea target Rogers
After weeks of speculation surrounding his future, it appears that Arsenal have won the race to sign Rogers. Unsurprising, given Arsenal won the Premier League and are in the 26-27 Champions League.
Chelsea failed to qualify for Europe. The lure of Xabi Alonso and a definite starting spot was clearly not enough for Rogers, with Chelsea’s transfer budget also thinner than Arsenal’s due to a lack of Europe.
SOCCER: JUN 06 England vs New Zealand
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Respected Italian reporter Nicola Schira has reported on X that Arsenal now have an agreement in principle with Rogers ahead of a summer move, and that a fee between the two clubs is the only obstacle.
Schira said: “Agreement in principle for a contract until 2031 between Morgan Rogers and Arsenal, who are now ready to open talks with Aston Villa to sign him.”
Declan Rice is playing a key role in Morgan Rogers battle
Not only have Chelsea released a player now considered England’s best midfielder by some distance, but Declan Rice is now playing a key role in convincing Rogers to choose Arsenal over a move to Chelsea.
Say Morgan Rogers signs for Chelsea – who are you dropping from the XI to fit him in?
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers at Chelsea
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
As is the way with tournament football, players often try to convince their national teammates to join them at club level. Rice has been tasked with getting Rogers to sign on the dotted line for Arsenal.
Whether Rice’s involvement is working, or simply that it is a choice between the title winners and a poor Chelsea side, Rogers has chosen North over West London according to the latest reports this summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox