Xabi Alonso in dreamland after €138m Chelsea transfer decision
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has heaped praise on summer signing Morgan Rogers following his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The England international was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and it’s understood that he was close to joining Mikel Arteta’s side before Chelsea saw a €138 million offer accepted by Aston Villa in mid-July.
Cole Palmer played a key role in convincing his close friend to secure a Stamford Bridge switch, and Rogers has quickly established himself as a vital player in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system.
The 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided four assists in eight games across all competitions so far this season, and Alonso admitted his delight at Rogers’ start to life as a Chelsea player following his side’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.
“No, [his form isn't a surprise] because he is young, he’s fresh, he’s strong and he’s quick - he is a very complete modern football player,” the Chelsea manager told reporters during his post-match press conference.
“His availability is also very high and this is very important. He looks fresh and he is enjoying [his football] because he’s a great guy and is connecting very well with his team-mates, and with everyone. He is having a great impact on the team and the club.”
Rogers is now Chelsea’s all-time record signing thanks to his blockbuster summer move from Aston Villa, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a career-high of €106m thanks to his immense form during the early weeks of his career at Stamford Bridge.
Morgan Rogers could force Chelsea star to leave
While Rogers has cemented himself as an integral player in Alonso’s starting XI, his form has directly harmed the development of Jamie Gittens, who missed the win over Bournemouth due to an ankle injury he picked up while on international duty with the England U21s.
Gittens is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and he is highly likely to leave the club, either on loan or permanently, in 2027 after failing to work his way into favour in west London.
AS Roma were interested in a possible deal over the summer and they have been tipped to rekindle their pursuit of his signature next year amid his current status in the Chelsea squad.
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