Arsenal have long been considered favorites in the race to sign Morgan Rodgers from Aston Villa, but now the English star could be joining London rivals Chelsea.
Morgan Rodgers looks set to join Chelsea (Image: Getty)
Chelsea are on the verge of signing Morgan Rodgers in a huge £117m deal, making this the biggest move of the summer.
Rodgers, 23, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after attackers after another brilliant season with Aston Villa and was always expected to make a big-money move after the World Cup.
Arsenal are seen as the most likely destination for the former Middlesbrough star and are known to be big fans of Rodgers.
However, it is Chelsea who have reached a verbal agreement to sign Rodgers for a fee of £117 million, with the player delighted at the prospect of linking up with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
Following negotiations with Alonso, Stamford Bridge has emerged as Rodgers’ preferred destination, with the player already agreeing terms on a six-year contract and due to undergo a medical on Monday.
Rodgers started and provided an assist in England’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina and could feature again in tonight’s third-place match against France.
The move would be a huge windfall for Rodgers’ former club, Middlesbrough. The deal includes a 20 per cent sell clause, taking the attacking midfielder to Villa Park for an initial fee of £7m, with a further £8m payable over the winter window of 2024.
Rodgers was sensational for Aston Villa last season (Image: Getty)
Rodgers’ landing marks the first major win for Alonso, who agreed to become Chelsea’s new manager earlier this year.
The Spaniard will attempt to restore Chelsea’s place in the top flight of the Premier League and give them another shot at major honours, following a difficult 2025-26 season in which they finished 10th.
Rodgers played 55 games in all competitions for Aston Villa last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists, helping the club win the Europa League, and is sure to further strengthen Chelsea’s attack.
Rodgers’ contract will surpass the £107 million that brought Enzo Fernandes to Stamford Bridge, making him not only a club record for Chelsea, but also the most expensive English footballer of all time, surpassing fellow England international Elliott Anderson.
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