Chelsea‘s summer recruitment drive is in full flow as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first season at Stamford Bridge.
A number of attacking players have been linked with moves to west London as the club look to build a squad capable of challenging near the top of the Premier League.
Morgan Rogers, though, has consistently been among the names generating the most attention.
The Aston Villa and England star is viewed as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents after another superb campaign, and Chelsea have also considered the likes of Marcus Rashford as they assess how best to improve Alonso’s options.
At the same time, the club are searching for defensive reinforcements.
Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid has left a significant vacancy at left-back.
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Replacing the Spaniard is one of Chelsea’s biggest priorities before the window closes.
Former academy player Lewis Hall has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge following his impressive rise at Newcastle, while Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras is another player understood to be under consideration.
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The Blues have reached out to his representatives.
Chelsea have reportedly carried out checks on the Spaniard as they continue evaluating possible replacements.
The club have also been credited with interest in younger defensive prospects such as Marco Palestra as part of their long-term planning.
While work continues on several positions, much of the focus remains on attacking recruitment.
That is where the latest Rogers update becomes particularly interesting.
Chelsea ‘pleading’ with Morgan Rogers to join them with one word reply given
According to reliable insider HandOfArsenal on X, Chelsea have worked hard behind the scenes to convince Rogers that Stamford Bridge is the right destination for the next stage of his career.
His report suggests the Blues have been actively presenting their vision and plans to the player as they attempt to gain an advantage in the race for his signature.
Chelsea’s admiration for Rogers is easy to understand.
His ability to carry the ball, create chances and contribute goals makes him an attractive option for almost any top club, and Rogers is also capable of playing across several attacking positions.
That versatility would fit perfectly into Alonso’s tactical approach.
However, Chelsea appear to face a significant obstacle.
HandofArsenal claims that whenever the player’s future is discussed, one club remains at the forefront of his thinking.
The insider says that even though Chelsea have been ‘pleading’ with Rogers to join them, his response has simply been “Arsenal”.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with Rogers throughout the summer, and they are his clear preference right now.
Man United have also explored the possibility of signing Rogers, but despite that interest, Arsenal are currently viewed as the team setting the pace.
That does not necessarily mean Chelsea have given up hope.
Transfer situations can change quickly and there is still a long way to go before the window closes.
The Blues remain determined to add elite attacking talent to Alonso’s squad, and Rogers continues to fit that description perfectly, but alongside Arsenal’s advantage, he could be a costly addition.
Finance expert Stefan Borson recently claimed it could cost any club £120 million to sign the ex-Middlesbrough star, including transfer fee and wages, so it remains to be seen whether BlueCo can stump up that kind of cash minus European football next season.
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The Blues have been contacted by intermediaries.
