Alonso Backs £100m Villa Raid for Rogers as Palmer's Replacement

Chelsea's incoming manager Xabi Alonso has thrown his weight behind the club's plans to pursue Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, viewing the 23-year-old as a ready-made replacement for Cole Palmer should the former Manchester City man depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Palmer has endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign hampered by injury, managing 34 appearances, 11 goals and three assists. Despite his quality as one of the Premier League's standout attacking midfielders, Chelsea's failure to secure European football has fuelled speculation over his future. The Blues value Palmer at £80m, with Manchester United among those monitoring the situation. Adding to the uncertainty, Palmer has been left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Alonso, it's understood, is prepared to sanction the departure of such a high-profile name if the opportunity arises, but the club requires a creative replacement of similar calibre.

Enter Rogers. The Villa winger has caught the attention of Chelsea's Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent Joe Shields, who previously brought the England international through Manchester City's academy. Shields is now spearheading efforts to lure Rogers to west London, with Chelsea constructing a package they believe could tempt Villa into negotiations.

The incoming manager is reportedly fully clued in on the club's pursuit and would welcome the prospect of building his attacking unit around Rogers. Chelsea view him either as a long-term creative partner for Palmer or, should circumstances dictate, as the focal point of their attacking play.

However, Villa are driving a hard bargain. Having captured the Europa League this term and secured Champions League football for 2026/27, Unai Emery's side are demanding at least £100m for Rogers, who signed from Birmingham in February 2024 and remains contracted until 2031. The 23-year-old has delivered 31 goals and 29 assists across 125 competitive appearances for the Villans.

Chelsea aren't operating in isolation here. Arsenal have also registered their interest, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta both convinced Rogers would elevate the Gunners' squad. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are likewise circling, making this a genuine four-horse race for the Villa star's signature come summer.