Chelsea have signed England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a £117m deal, making him the most expensive British player in history, BBC News reports.
Rogers returned from the United States after England’s World Cup campaign to complete a medical in London and sign a six-year contract, with the option of a further year. In his announcement video, he said Chelsea’s direction made the move “perfect” for him and described the club as “the biggest club in London”.
The transfer was completed quickly after England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina. BBC News reports that Chelsea’s sporting directors, head coach Xabi Alonso and co-owner Behdad Eghbali were involved in securing the agreement, with captain Reece James also promoting the club’s case from within the England camp.
Chelsea had monitored Rogers for more than two years and made him their leading attacking target. Arsenal had been expected by many to be strong contenders, but after the Chelsea bid was agreed they chose not to match the valuation and are now expected to consider alternatives.
Rogers already has close links with several Chelsea players, including Cole Palmer, whom he has known since their time in Manchester City’s academy. He also knows Levi Colwill and Reece James from the England set-up, while several other members of the Chelsea squad also came through City’s youth system.
On the pitch, Rogers could be used on the left, with Palmer operating centrally, according to one source cited by BBC News. Chelsea are also considering systems that could allow both players to operate as attacking midfielders, depending on how Alonso sets up the side.
Rogers arrives after a season in which he recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances. Chelsea are seeking more attacking output after finishing 10th last season and enduring a five-match scoreless run under former head coach Liam Rosenior.
The transfer also adds pressure to Chelsea’s squad and finances. The club are expected to move players on after significant spending, with BBC News reporting that Chelsea want to sell or loan at least a dozen senior players to keep their accounts healthy.
