Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali negotiated Morgan Rogers deal directly with Aston Villa owner | OneFootball

Chelsea have reached a deal with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal were considered favourites to sign him before Chelsea swooped, agreeing to pay a British record £117 million fee for Rogers. The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali negotiated the deal directly with Villa counterpart Nassef Sawiris, according to the Telegraph.

Manager Xabi Alonso also played a role, while his close relationship with Cole Palmer was another factor in his decision to join Chelsea.

Middlesbrough are set to bank approximately £20m after negotiating a sell-on clause when Rogers joined Villa in February 2024.

Chelsea’s interest in Rogers predate this summer, having made him a top target last summer after signing Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

However, they signed Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

Garnacho and Gittens struggled last season, prompting Chelsea to reignite their interest in the midfielder.

There were doubts over whether Chelsea could afford Rogers, and whether he would be open to joining them after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

His signing is a major coup for the club and sends a strong statement to their fans about their ambition.

Rogers enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season, helping Villa win the Europa League and secure Champions League qualification.

The West Bromwich academy graduate was also brilliant in the 2024/25 season, winning the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

He has made 125 appearances across all competitions for the Villans, bagging 31 goals and 29 assists.