-
DONE DEALS
- 1 hour ago
Chelsea agree €138m Morgan Rogers deal
Chelsea have stunned Arsenal by reaching a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers.
The England international is heading to Stamford Bridge rather than the Emirates. For weeks, Arsenal have been trying to strike a deal for their top target, only to be frustrated by Aston Villa's stance.
Personal terms with Rogers were in place, but the Birmingham club insisted that their star forward was not for sale unless offered a monumental fee. Rumours suggested that they were demanding north of €150 million.
The lack of an agreement with Arsenal has now allowed Chelsea to swoop in, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The Blues have already reached an agreement, albeit only verbally, with Aston Villa.
The reigning Europa League champions will not receive €150m, but they will make up to €138m from the sale of Rogers. As things stand, the 23-year-old will be playing his football in West London next season.
Chelsea agree Rogers deal
Ornstein understands that personal terms with Rogers have been agreed. The versatile attacker will sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and there will be an option for a further season.
A medical is set to take place on Monday. Rogers is currently in the United States and preparing to take on France with England in the World Cup's third-place playoff.
By joining Chelsea, Rogers will link up with his close friend and former Man City academy teammate Cole Palmer. Ornstein acknowledges Arsenal's interest, but the Aston Villa man has chosen the Blues as his preferred next club.
The journalist adds that new manager Xabi Alonso was "instrumental" in getting Rogers to pick Chelsea over reigning Premier League champions Arsenal despite the club's lack of European football next season.
Rogers will become Alonso's recruit following the €55m acquisition of Marco Palestra. He will also become Chelsea's record signing and the second-most expensive transfer in Premier League history in terms of upfront fee (Elliot Anderson's €135m fee can rise to €153m via bonuses).