‘I joined the biggest club in London’: Chelsea sign Morgan Rogers for British-record £117m ahead of Arsenal

‘I joined the biggest club in London’: Chelsea sign Morgan Rogers for British-record £117m ahead of Arsenal Chelsea have completed the signing of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a British-record £117 million deal. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract running until 2033, ending interest from Arsenal and several other Premier League clubs. Rogers insists Chelsea’s long-term vision under new head coach Xabi Alonso convinced him to make the switch. “I’m joining the biggest club in London,” Rogers said in the club’s announcement (via Chelseafc.com ). “The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward is something I want to be a part of. I think it was just perfect for me. “I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here, and I can’t wait to get started.” Chelsea have secured one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking talents following an outstanding spell at Aston Villa. He registered 40 goal contributions in just 85 league appearances for Unai Emery’s side, helping Villa secure a top-four finish before playing a key role in last season’s Europa League triumph. His arrival is expected to give Alonso another versatile attacking option capable of playing across the frontline or behind the striker. Rogers’ physicality, creativity and direct running offer Chelsea a different dimension. His long-standing friendship with Cole Palmer should help ease his transition into the squad after the pair previously came through Manchester City’s academy together. The transfer is also likely to accelerate Chelsea’s summer clear-out. Despite already generating well over £120m through player sales, further departures are expected as the Blues restructure the squad to meet UEFA’s financial regulations. Chelsea believe Rogers can become one of the cornerstones of Alonso’s rebuild and have taken a massive gamble. Expectations will be enormous as the Blues look to return to the top of English football.