Xabi Alonso has convinced Morgan Rogers to join club.
One of England’s biggest clubs have reportedly struck a verbal agreement with Aston Villa over a club record move for one of the Premier League’s most sought after talents, with reports suggesting Xabi Alonso played a decisive role in winning the player over.
According to The Athletic, Villa have accepted an offer in the region of £117 million for Morgan Rogers, with the Blues fending off strong competition to secure his signature.
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The 23 year old is understood to have chosen a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of interest from elsewhere, with personal terms already believed to be close to being finalised on a six year deal that includes the option of a further twelve months.
Rogers is set to undergo a medical on Monday, a development that leaves Arsenal facing serious disappointment after reports on Saturday suggested the Gunners had made a major breakthrough in their own pursuit of the England international.
The Middlesbrough academy graduate had been considered one of Mikel Arteta’s key summer targets, but Chelsea appear to have moved decisively to get the deal done first.
Liverpool’s name has also featured prominently in the Rogers saga throughout the window.
The Athletic reported earlier this summer that Liverpool recruiters held the playmaker in high regard, though there was a sense at Anfield that his profile did not quite match the out and out wide forward the club were seeking.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both monitoring the situation, their interest never reached the same level of advancement as Chelsea’s.
Should the transfer go through as expected, it would represent a club record outlay for Chelsea, surpassing the £107 million they paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez back in 2023.
That deal now raises fresh questions over the long term future of the Argentine, whose place in the side could be complicated further by Rogers’ arrival, even as Alonso is said to remain committed to keeping him.
Alonso’s influence over the decision appears to have been significant.
Speaking at his first press conference since taking charge, the Spaniard outlined his belief in building on the platform Chelsea have already established, citing the quality of the group and the competitive standard of the Premier League as reasons for optimism heading into the new campaign.
Rogers remains on international duty with England at the World Cup and could feature in Thursday’s third place playoff against France.
He played a part in seven of England’s eight matches during the tournament, including setting up Anthony Gordon’s opener in the semi final defeat to Argentina, and will hope to end the summer on a high before completing what would be a landmark move to west London.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea reach verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers. Bid of £117m accepted by #AVFC & being finalised. 6+1y contract, medical Monday. #AFC interested but 23yo attacker wanted #CFC; Xabi Alonso instrumental @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/81YbZw7ELc
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 18, 2026
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers