Alonso eyes £80m midfielder as first Chelsea signing

Xabi Alonso could make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers as he plots his first signing as Chelsea manager.

Alonso was officially named as Chelsea’s new manager this week with the Spaniard to take charge from July 1st. The 44-year-old will be tasked with overhauling a Chelsea squad that has fallen below expectations during the current campaign.

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are considering firming up long-term interest in Rogers. The England international is highly-rated at Chelsea and the Blues view Rogers as an ideal option to fill the number ten role in Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Effortlessly Morgan Rogers pic.twitter.com/kLa2t8Tila

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 21, 2025

Rogers has scored 10 goals and laid on six assists in the Premier League this season to help Aston Villa to Champions League qualification.

Despite that achievement, Villa could still sanction his sale if an offer is received north of £80m to help the club remain compliant with financial rules.

Chelsea are not alone in pursuing Rogers, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain all interested. The Blues are also likely to be without the attraction of Champions League football, which could hinder hopes.

Read – Chelsea name Xabi Alonso as head coach on four-year deal

See more – Why Xabi Alonso preferred Chelsea to Liverpool