Widespread reports on Saturday claimed Chelsea had agreed a club-record £117million transfer deal with Aston Villa for Rogers, a stunning development which took many fans by surprise.
Rogers had been heavily linked with Chelsea’s bitter London rivals Arsenal for much of the summer, but the Premier League champions must now explore alternative avenues to bolster their attacking options.
The 23-year-old England international is expected to undergo a medical with the Blues this week having returned from the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in the United States.
The eye-watering sum that Chelsea have agreed to pay for Rogers surpasses the £107m fee which the club splashed out on Argentina central midfielder Enzo Fernandez three years ago.
But with Fernandez reportedly pushing to depart Stamford Bridge, ex-Chelsea star Cole cannot envisage a world in which the two players join forces under Xabi Alonso next season.
‘I’m really happy because he’s such a top, top player and he’s performed well,’ Cole said on The Rest Is Football.
Rogers is excited to see Rogers in action for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Fernandez has repeatedly flirted with Real Madrid in recent months (Picture: Getty)
‘But I think that means Enzo is probably out the door because you’ve got to balance the books somewhere.
‘I think he’ll play off the left and he’s really good friends with Cole Palmer… I think that’s a really good signing.
‘I’m not sure where we’re finding the money from to be honest!’
Fernandez will sent off as Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final (Picture: Getty)
Alonso will be desperate to keep hold of Fernandez (Picture: Getty)
Alan Shearer was not surprised to discover the hefty fee paid for Rogers given Elliot Anderson’s big-money move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City earlier this summer.
‘As soon as Elliot Anderson went for £116m then that was going to be the price for the next big move,’ the ex-England and Newcastle striker said in response to Cole’s comments.
‘Rogers is a brilliant talent but Chelsea still need a centre-forward.’
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international enjoyed an outstanding debut season with Leipzig last term and is widely considered to be among the most exciting attacking talents in European football.
It’s understood the Bundesliga outfit are standing firm over their £102m valuation of the teenager.
