Chelsea have reportedly beaten Arsenal to the signing of England international Morgan Rogers.
With the current state of the transfer market, it's rare to label any signing as a bargain, but Aston Villa's £8m capture of Rogers from Middlesbrough in 2023 undoubtedly fits the bill.
After featuring somewhat regularly for the Villans in the second half of 2023/24, Rogers became a mainstay in Unai Emery's side in 2024/25 - scoring eight goals and registering 11 assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
He enjoyed a similarly productive 2025/26 season -- once again notching 19 goal contributions in the top-flight -- and Villa look like they will have to manage without him after Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal for the talented England international.
Champions Arsenal seemed in pole position to secure his services over the last few weeks, but journalist David Ornstein has confirmed Xabi Alonso's side have reached a verbal agreement with Villa and agreed a £117m valuation for the 23-year-old.
Rogers, who assisted Anthony Gordon for England's goal against Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, will be in London for a medical on Monday once he returns from the tournament.
Mikel Arteta's side were clearly interested in adding the attacker to their ranks, but reports suggest the new Chelsea manager was a key factor in Rogers choosing their London rivals.
It will be a big blow to Arsenal, who will already be concerned about the fitness of several key players following this summer's World Cup.
