Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso discusses Morgan Rogers signing before Arsenal match
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 1:35 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso describes the acquisition of Morgan Rogers as a central element of the club's ongoing rebuild. The midfielder joined from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million fee during the summer transfer window. Rogers has since made an immediate impact, netting a goal on his debut against Fulham and contributing an assist in the recent win over Brighton. Alonso maintains that securing the player was a statement of intent, noting that the squad addition is expected to provide value for several seasons. Chelsea now prepares to face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend with the new signing available. This transfer activity concludes the first phase of the club's summer squad overhaul, which involved 11 new arrivals and over £400 million generated through player sales.
- •Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million.
- •The midfielder scored on his debut against Fulham and assisted against Brighton.
- •Chelsea completed 11 new signings and recouped £400 million in sales this summer.
- •Xabi Alonso labeled the transfer a key piece of the club's long-term rebuild.
- •Chelsea is scheduled to face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
- 7:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Chelsea hit bullseye with Morgan Rogers as Arsenal rue what might have been
- 1:35 PMYahoo Sports — Alonso says beating Arsenal to Morgan Rogers signing a 'big one' for Chelsea rebuild
"The Gunners will have a look at what they could have won when the former Villa man lines up against them, having made a flying start for Xabi Alonso’s team Chelsea thought they had little chance of signing Morgan Rogers at the start of the summer. Xabi Alonso and the club’s recruitment team had the England international as a priority target but a deal seemed unlikely. Chelsea had endured a disappointing season, missing out on European football after finishing 10th, and their expectation was that Rogers would leave Aston Villa for Arsenal. It was towards the end of the World Cup that Chelsea were made aware of a window of opportunity. Although Arsenal could claim to be London’s top dogs after winning the Premier League they dithered in talks with Villa, raising the prospect of another club stepping in. Continue reading...
"Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has said the summer signing of Morgan Rogers was a 'big one' for the club's rebuild.Chelsea secured the signing of Rogers from Aston Villa for a club record fee of £117m duri...
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 4, 2026, 7:00 PMChelsea hit bullseye with Morgan Rogers as Arsenal rue what might have been
The Gunners will have a look at what they could have won when the former Villa man lines up against them, having made a flying start for Xabi Alonso’s team Chelsea thought they had little chance of signing Morgan Rogers at the start of the summer. Xabi Alonso and the club’s recruitment team had the England international as a priority target but a deal seemed unlikely. Chelsea had endured a disappointing season, missing out on European football after finishing 10th, and their expectation was that Rogers would leave Aston Villa for Arsenal. It was towards the end of the World Cup that Chelsea were made aware of a window of opportunity. Although Arsenal could claim to be London’s top dogs after winning the Premier League they dithered in talks with Villa, raising the prospect of another club stepping in. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:35 PMAlonso says beating Arsenal to Morgan Rogers signing a 'big one' for Chelsea rebuild
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has said the summer signing of Morgan Rogers was a 'big one' for the club's rebuild.Chelsea secured the signing of Rogers from Aston Villa for a club record fee of £117m duri...
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