Chelsea have set their sights on Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers in one of their boldest moves of the summer. The Blues have already splashed over £200 million on multiple signings — including Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but they are still active in the transfer market. Head coach Enzo Maresca is looking for another attacking option and now Rogers has emerged as a serious option.
Villa, meanwhile, are up against Financial Fair Play pressure. Villa want to keep Rogers as a matter of course, but if a considerable offer comes in, then they would surely be hard-pressed not to sell – particularly if it allows them to clear some books and to fund reinforcements in midfield and in defence this summer.
Rogers ticks every Chelsea box
Morgan Rogers was the star for Aston Villa in 2024–25. He scored 8 times and contributed 11 assists, playing his part in a strong finish in the league by Villa. It was his eye-catching displays that garnered England’s attention as he was called up by the national team.
Rogers, 22, brings versatility, invention and Premier League experience to his new team. He can play out wide, centrally or directly off a striker — a tactical boon in Maresca’s high-pressing, fluid system. Chelsea’s rebuild, which prioritizes youth first, already has English talent in Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Reece James. Rogers, fits that blueprint and could flourish in the club’s long-term vision for the future.
Villa want Jackson – Chelsea seek leverage
Unai Emery admires Nicolas Jackson and believes he would fit in at Villa Park. There’s no chance of a direct swap due to FFP constraints but the respective clubs could yet pursue individual deals to satisfy the respective financial rules.
If Villa lodge an official for Jackson, Chelsea will follow suit for Rogers straight away. Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League means the chances of a big sale have gone up. Chelsea are keeping a close eye on them — and prepared to act when the time is right.
