Chelsea target Morgan Rogers in summer overhaul despite transfer hurdles
The Athletic reports the Blues have identified at least ten potential signings, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, as they prepare for a season without European football.
Chelsea have included Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers in a shortlist of at least ten potential signings for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a report by The Athletic. The club, which failed to qualify for European football, is seeking both attacking and defensive reinforcements for the next season.
The report identifies Morgan Rogers as a specific player of interest on Chelsea’s wishlist. Chelsea are currently without a front-of-shirt sponsor, with the new home shirt featuring a watermarked badge to cover the void. The club has five sporting directors, necessitating a shortlist of potential acquisitions to justify their salaries.
Rogers, aged 23, scored a career-high 14 goals in all competitions this season, including ten in the league. Rogers has five years remaining on the contract extension he signed at the start of the current season.
A follow-up from The Athletic suggests that missing out on Champions League qualification may not be a major stumbling block for Chelsea, citing long-term prospects. Xabi Alonso is set to officially begin his four-year contract as Chelsea manager on 1 July, following interim manager Calum McFarlane’s charge for the final two matches of the season.
Chelsea failed to secure qualification for European football for the next season. Aston Villa had no desire to deal with Chelsea last year regarding Rogers, and their stance is unlikely to have changed following their excellent season. Rogers is currently playing Champions League football with Villa, whereas Chelsea are expected to be a mid-table side next season.
Liam Rosenior was sacked less than a month ago following the club’s defeat in the FA Cup final. Interim manager Calum McFarlane is managing the final games against Tottenham and Sunderland.
The likelihood of a transfer for Morgan Rogers is considered low, but not impossible. The identity of the other nine names on Chelsea’s shortlist is not specified. The impact of the lack of sponsorship on Chelsea’s financial ability to sign players remains unclear, though constraints are noted. The extent to which "long-term prospects" will outweigh the lack of Champions League football in Rogers’ decision is speculative.
