Chelsea have completed the signing of Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers for a reported £117 million transfer fee, sparking a massive reaction from football fans after the player chose Stamford Bridge over Arsenal. The England international was heavily targeted by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who held direct talks with Rogers during the FIFA World Cup. However, a crucial intervention by Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, convinced the player to move to West London instead.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website after the announcement, Rogers expressed his enthusiasm for the move. "I'm so excited. For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I've always admired since I was a kid," Rogers said. "I'm really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we've got and where the club is heading. That's why I'm here and I can't wait to get started."
Arsenal had previously launched a bid worth £80 million for the former Aston Villa player, but the offer fell short of Villa's valuation. The price tag for the Englishman rose significantly following Elliot Anderson's £116 million transfer to Manchester City.
Rogers confirmed that his decision to reject Arsenal in favor of Chelsea was heavily influenced by conversations with Xabi Alonso. "The size of the club, the stature, the progression and the way that the club wants to move forward. It’s something I want to be a part of. It was perfect for me," Rogers explained. "I have had a few conversations with [Alonso]. It’s important for me to understand what the manager is like, how he is and how he wants to operate, and it very much fits with the way I see the game, the way that I want to play and the way that I want to be me, be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was a massive [element] of the decision for me to be here."
The transfer and Rogers' comments triggered widespread mockery from Chelsea supporters toward their Arsenal rivals. On social media, Chelsea fans celebrated the signing, with comments claiming that Arsenal fans are in "full meltdown mode" and can "cry" after the snub. Other supporters highlighted that Rogers had completed a "hat-trick" by rejecting Arsenal, joining Chelsea, and declaring them the biggest club in the capital, while some joked that the young player "doesn't rate premier league champions" and is throwing jabs at Arsenal "like Mayweather."
Many posted:OG 🇦🇷 @YikescleverOGLINKRogers chose the biggest club in London.
Following his participation with the England squad at the FIFA World Cup, Rogers is set to go on a three-week vacation. He is expected to report to Chelsea training in the first week of August, joining up with teammates Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah.
The midfielder has already made a strong impression on the fanbase after he called Chelsea the biggest club in London.
😂SE7EN👑💈 @K7ngse7enbLINKArsenal fans in full meltdown mode already 😂 Chelsea are the biggest club in London and Morgan Rogers knows it.
Morgan Rogers has completed the hat-trick.LUMIN @WealthSynthLINKBro doesn't rate premier league champions 😂Pacman @PrimePacmanLINKArsenal fans won’t be happy at you 😆Football Matter @footbolmatter10LINKThis Boy just dey throw jabs give arsenal like mayweatherArsenal reportedly launched a bid worth £80 million for the E
