Chelsea agree £117m Rogers deal
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers. The fee: £117 million (3). This would be your new record signing. Xabi Alonso played a crucial role in convincing Rogers to choose Stamford Bridge over Arsenal, who had been clear favourites to land him before the September deadline.
Ibrahimovic not impressed
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned whether Rogers warrants that fee. The former striker made his doubts public, calling the price tag into question for the England international (3).
Villa wanted a Chelsea attacker in return
Aston Villa made an enquiry for a Chelsea attacker during the Rogers negotiations, per Nizaar Kinsella (4). No name yet. It suggests there could be movement the other way before the window shuts.
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Chelsea hold Lacroix talks
Chelsea have held formal talks over Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix (8). Alonso wants to strengthen the back line and a move is being explored.
Cueva moved into new role under Alonso
Bernardo Cueva is changing jobs at Chelsea. The 38-year-old set-piece specialist, at the club since 2024, is moving into a technical and advisory position behind the scenes, away from the pitch. He has not been spotted in training since pre-season began (2).
Cucurella wins the World Cup, Enzo sees red
Sunday was a tale of two Chelsea midfielders in the World Cup final. Spain beat Argentina 1–0. Marc Cucurella lifted the trophy, his second World Cup triumph in a year, having provided three assists in the tournament (7). Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute after a second yellow card and later apologised to Argentine fans (5) (7).
Chelsea linked with Leverkusen's Alajbegovic
Chelsea have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, a breakout name at the World Cup with ties to Alonso from his time in Germany (6). One to watch.
Fan reactions
The Rogers news has supporters buzzing, especially the detail that Alonso personally swayed him away from Arsenal. There is pride in Cucurella's World Cup win but real concern for Enzo Fernández after his red card in the final. Read the full thread here.
