Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
When the news emerged that Chelsea were signing Morgan Rogers, many questioned his decision. Why would he choose Chelsea over Arsenal? It turns out he wasn’t the only one to choose Chelsea.
Ultimately, it emerged that Arsenal were not willing to offer the requisite cash to sign Rogers, while Behdad Eghbali decided to smash Chelsea’s record transfer fee and pay Aston Villa a huge £117m.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Rogers has sparkled, even at this early stage. A goal against Fulham, hitting the bar against Luton and then an assist against Brighton. The England star is improving with every game he plays for Chelsea.
But in a different world, Rogers could have chosen Arsenal and forced Villa to sell him to North London, instead of West. Indeed, there is a world where Rogers and Joao Pedro could have combined for Arsenal.
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Arsenal wanted to sign Joao Pedro as well as Morgan Rogers
At the start of the summer, Barcelona were heavily interested in Pedro. Chelsea’s Player of the Season was picked as Deco’s replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but Chelsea held firm, and Pedro remained.
It was Alonso’s wish not to sell the striker, and it was the right move. Pedro has made a magnificent start to the season. Not only that, but the Brazilian has signed a new deal and is now considered ‘untouchable’.
Unusually, BBC Sport have shared every single Arsenal target from the summer window. A total of 21 names are listed, with Rogers right at the top. Interestingly, down in eighth on the list, is Chelsea’s Pedro.
It is understandable why Arsenal would want to sign Joao Pedro
Another summer, another window in which Arsenal have failed to bring in a game-changing striker. The Gunners have needed a goal machine for some time; Viktor Gyokeres simply is not what Arsenal need.
A good striker, one of the best in Europe – but the Swede is nowhere near Pedro’s level. The Brazilian changes games and that’s what Arsenal lack. The same for Kai Havertz – Chelsea were willing to sell him.
Later today, Arsenal and Chelsea do battle and all Blues fans will be hoping that Pedro can shine. If he does, Mikel Arteta will be frustrated – more so than normal – because it will be Pedro playing a key role.
Chelsea’s best move this summer was keeping Joao Pedro
Chelsea have sold Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez. Of course, the latter is a huge blow regardless of what happened off the pitch – he is a game changer and proved that.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Even on his debut for City, his assist for Erling Haaland proved crucial in the 1-0 win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry. Chelsea have signed Rogers and Emi Martinez is considered the best signing of the summer.
Chelsea have significantly improved their team and added much-needed experience. But keeping Pedro and tying him down to a new contract until 2034 was the best thing the Blues could have really done.
If Chelsea were to sign a replacement with the same in-game impact that Pedro has, he would have cost north of £200m. There is a real argument to suggest Pedro is the Premier League’s best striker right now.
Whatever signing Chelsea could have made, or did make, keeping Pedro is the best bit of business they did this summer – even better than raking in £125m for Fernandez. He makes Chelsea title challengers.