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Sources: Chelsea 'tempted' to make last-minute bid to sign 'frightening' Aston Villa star

Chelsea have been contemplating whether to make a late attempt to lure Morgan Rogers away from Premier League counterparts Aston Villa after head coach Enzo Maresca has remained determined to bolster his attacking options at Stamford Bridge, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Blues have shown a willingness to raid their domestic rivals since the summer transfer window opened for business, with Joao Pedro completing a switch worth up to £60million from Brighton & Hove Albion, and they are scouring the market for further reinforcements before the September 1 deadline.

Although Maresca is also open to overseeing departures, leading to the Italian tactician confirming that Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are up for grabs, he is toying with the idea of recruiting Rogers as he aims to secure additional creativity in the final third of the pitch.

Blues Will Have to Spend Big to Land Rogers

Morgan Rogers in action for Aston Villa

Chelsea are tempted to make a bid to sign Rogers, according to GMS sources, but they will have to put an offer worth more than £80million on the table if they want to stand a chance of convincing Aston Villa to sanction his exit before the fast-approaching summer transfer deadline.

The attacking midfielder, who has been described as 'frightening' by Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell, is firmly on the west Londoners' radar and may be the subject of an eleventh-hour proposal even though he has started the season at the forefront of Villans boss Unai Emery's plans.

GMS sources have been informed that influential figures at Chelsea have been considering a bid all summer, having seen Rogers shine during the 2024/25 campaign, and they are weighing up whether to test Aston Villa's resolve at a time when the Midlands outfit are desperate to retain his services.

Morgan Rogers' statistics for Aston Villa this season

The England international still has five years remaining on his £75,000-per-week contract, which is complicating matters for the Blues as it means his current employers are not under pressure to cash in, but Maresca is still eyeing him due to being eager to make his side more of a threat.

Aston Villa have deemed Rogers off-limits and are not interested in receiving bids when there are also doubts over first-choice marksman Ollie Watkins's immediate future, GMS sources have learned, but Chelsea are circling and mulling over whether to up the ante in their pursuit in the coming days.

Maresca Facing Stiff Competition for Rogers

Morgan Rogers in action for Aston Villa

GMS sources have been told that Chelsea are in danger of facing stiff competition for an agreement if they enter negotiations for Rogers as Tottenham Hotspur have also been eyeing him after Arsenal hijacked their move for Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze earlier this week.

The 23-year-old has been at Aston Villa since joining from Championship side Middlesbrough for an initial £8million in February 2024, meaning that the Midlands side will make a significant profit if they give him the green light to embark on a fresh challenge, but their preference is to hold onto him.

Chelsea have been predominantly focusing on Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons when they have been seeking fresh attacking talent, GMS sources understand, but Rogers is another name on their shortlist after deciding to keep their options open.

GMS sources first revealed that last season's PFA Young Player of the Year was in Blues' sights in May, with him being identified as a genuine target as they made preparations for their Club World Cup win, and their interest has not faltered even though Aston Villa have remained resolute.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 22/08/2025

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