Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Chelsea have impressed with the transfer business during the recent window, and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright is jealous about one of the players brought in.
There was a clear shift in the club’s policy this summer in an attempt to give suitable backing to Xabi Alonso, who has handed the role of manager rather than head coach.
Chelsea were able to spend significantly again after they completed a number of player sales throughout the window, capped off with the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for a British record fee.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
The Blues’ biggest signing was Morgan Rogers, who was brought in from Aston Villa despite Arsenal seen earlier in the summer as the favourites to bring him in.
Ian Wright believes Arsenal actually had a deal in place to sign Rogers, however admitted to ‘Stick to Football’ that he was gutted he ended up at Stamford Bridge instead.
He said: “This was something that was done, they wanted him ages ago, and the fact that they dilly-dallied around, Chelsea just going, if you’re not going to pay it, then we’ll pay it, and then he’s gone, and why should he wait? You know what I mean? I’m gutted, I would love him to have come (to Arsenal).”
Rogers will get his first chance to show the Gunners what they missed out on this weekend when the Blues travel to the Emirates for their first major test of the season.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Rogers named in Premier League Team of the Month
Rogers has enjoyed a very strong start to life at Chelsea, picking up a goal and an assist in his first two Premier League games.
This has helped him be named in the Premier League Team of the Month for August, alongside fellow attackers Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.
The England international has taken no time at all to settle into a devastating front three that gives Chelsea their best chance at beating the Gunners for the first time since 2021.
Thomas Tuchel was in charge of the Blues on that day, and some Chelsea fans have not had this much confidence in a manager when it comes to Alonso than since the German was at the club.