Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso played a decisive personal role in convincing Morgan Rogers to choose Stamford Bridge over Arsenal in a dramatic summer transfer hijack.
Alonso reportedly phoned Rogers directly and laid out his tactical vision in a secret approach designed to lure the playmaker away from a move to the Gunners.
Arsenal had been long-term admirers of the Aston Villa star, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen the left side of his attack with the England international this summer.
Fabrizio Romano claims the Gunners were planning to hold talks with Aston Villa this week upon Rogers returning from the World Cup, only to find Chelsea had already moved.
Romano also reported that personal terms were not going to be an issue between Rogers and Arsenal, though there were some tactical doubts surrounding his potential role in the team.
Arsenal were not prepared to match Chelsea’s valuation, with the Gunners’ offer expected to fall in the region of £90m to £100m rather than the full asking price.
Chelsea, meanwhile, held a reportedly “very direct” meeting with Aston Villa and needed just 24 hours to agree a deal once talks officially opened between the two clubs.
The Blues have agreed a £117m fee with Aston Villa, with Rogers undergoing his medical at Stamford Bridge on Monday, confirming the stunning speed of the transfer.
Chelsea’s contract offer was also for a longer duration than what Arsenal had proposed, and Alonso’s personal conversations with Rogers are said to have made a major difference.
Rogers is expected to sign a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea also holding the option of an additional year on top of that agreement.
He will be given a three-week break before linking up with his new teammates, meaning his first training sessions under Alonso are still several weeks away.
Once the transfer is finalised, Rogers will become Chelsea’s record signing, eclipsing the £115m paid for Moises Caicedo in August 2023 and the £107m spent on Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
The deal will also set a new benchmark fee for an English player, surpassing the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this month.
Rogers represents Alonso’s second signing since taking charge at Chelsea, following the £47m arrival of versatile Italian defender Marco Palestra.
Chelsea have also secured Geovany Quenda, Dastan Satpayev, and Emmanuel Emegha on previously agreed deals, with Argentina midfielder Valentin Barco also expected to finalise his move to the club.
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