Alonso says Chelsea beat Arsenal to sign Rogers for £117m, hails debut impact
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said ahead of the Blues' Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday, September 6, that Chelsea beat Arsenal to sign attacker Morgan Rogers for a reported £117 million from Aston Villa. Alonso revealed Rogers, 24, had been leaning toward a move to the Emirates but could not join Arsenal because they could not match Chelsea's offer, and he spoke highly of the England international's potential.
Alonso described Rogers as a crucial squad-planning decision, set to be a vital player for the next six to seven years, praising his synergy with teammates and striking partners, and noting the forward's happiness as essential for future success. Rogers has already made an impact, scoring on his Chelsea debut in a 3-2 victory over Fulham and providing an assist in the 4-3 home win against Brighton & Hove Albion last week.
While Arsenal missed out on Rogers, they did secure Christos Tzolis, who contributed two assists on his club debut as Arteta's side defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the FA Community Shield at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium last month. With both teams set to meet at the Emirates, the question remains: Will Rogers justify his £117 million price tag and help Chelsea get the better of Arsenal, or will Tzolis fire Arsenal to an upset?