Xabi Alonso's plan for Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer would certainly excite the Chelsea fans. | OneFootball

Morgan Rogers is certainly the surprise Chelsea signing of the summer window so far. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has revealed he's already formed a plan for how to utilise both Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer in the Chelsea side next season.

Rogers officially joined Chelsea on a club-record fee of £117 million from Aston Villa last week, signing an initial six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

It might have come as a surprise to some that Chelsea allocated a big part of their summer budget to another attacker, especially given the number of options they have in these positions.

Alonso, however, has made it clear that he is on board with the club’s decision to bring in another creative attacking outlet.

“For sure, it’s a great signing,” said the Chelsea manager in his press conference on Monday when asked about Rogers signing.

“In that position, we needed an important player, and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers.

“It means a lot for everyone and for the players that are already here as well.

Rogers arrives at Chelsea with big hopes after his huge price tag. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

“They have a good feeling, and we’re looking forward to having him in a few weeks.”

Alonso added that he has been aware of Rogers’ quality for quite some time, having continued to follow the Premier League during his time managing Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

He believes versatility is one of the Chelsea summer signing’s best qualities.

“One of his best qualities is that he is flexible,” Alonso explained.

Rogers thrives in the left pocket in the final third, so that is likely where he mostly operates, but as Alonso pointed out, his being able to occupy other areas of the pitch will prove beneficial as well.

He scored 10 goals and contributed seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last term.

Planned attacking partnership with Palmer

Chelsea, of course, have another attacking midfielder who likes to operate in the pocket, although in Palmer’s case, it is mostly on the right side of the pitch.

Alonso, who described both Rogers and Palmer as “special players”, claimed that he has already had something in mind for the pair.

“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” said Alonso about the two Manchester City academy graduates.

“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions with good control, then we will be more competitive with the ball and against the ball; we need to be good.”

Unfortunately, Chelsea fans will have to wait before seeing both Rogers and Palmer in action in blue, since the former remains on his downtime after representing England in the 2026 World Cup.

Rogers is expected to report for duty to link up with his new Chelsea teammates following the tour of Australia and Asia, although Palmer is of course part of the club's pre-season squad.

Palmer is expected to take part in Chelsea’s first friendly of the tour against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, July 28.