Chelsea have snubbed Arsenal after completing a record deal for Morgan Rogers

Chelsea have pounced on Arsenal as they announced the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a British record deal. Reports suggest the Blues have signed the midfielder in a deal worth £117million, making him the most expensive British player in history.

PREMIER LEAGUE: FULL INFORMATION

Rogers has been linked with a move away from Villa after his heroics last season saw the Mediterranean club win the Europa League and reach next season’s Champions League. The 23-year-old has been seen as Arsenal’s top target this season, with many reports suggesting he was on the verge of joining the reigning Premier League champions.

However, Chelsea attacked at the right time and managed to land the midfielder. In the video announcing his arrival, it looked like they decided to rub the fact in Arsenal’s face with a simple message.

“He chose Chelsea,” read a statement tweeted at X. (Credit: Chelsea X)

Able to operate both out wide and in an advanced midfield role, Rogers ends his two-year spell at Aston Villa after playing a key role in the club’s Europa League triumph in May. The England international got on the scoresheet in the final of Villa’s 3-0 win over Freiburg to help secure the club’s first major European title since 1982.

The 23-year-old joined from Middlesbrough in 2024 and has scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Villa. His impressive performances also earned him his senior England debut later that year.

Rogers carried that form onto the international stage, finishing third in seven of England’s eight World Cup matches. He also enjoyed his most prolific Premier League campaign last season, scoring 10 league goals.

WHY DID ROGERS CHOOSE CHELSEA?

Rogers said of the move that he considered Chelsea to be the biggest club in London and had always admired them as a child.

“I’m so excited,” Rogers said in a club statement. “Chelsea for me is the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.

“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we have and where the club is going. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rogers and Chelsea open their campaign against Fulham on August 24 in the new Premier League season.

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Published on:

Jul 22, 2026 10:11 am IST