Chelsea are expected to complete £117million move for Morgan Rogers next week after challenging Arsenal – which would be Villa’s record sale.
Rogers has been one of Arsenal’s top targets throughout the summer but until now the Gunners have not met Villa’s valuation of their star attacker.
Arsenal had expected a clear run at Rogers, who has always been open to joining the Premier League champions.
Daily Mail Sport understands Chelsea have entered the race and expect to complete a £117m move next week.
Arsenal are huge admirers of Rogers, but they also have Bradley Barcola, the Paris Saint-Germain and France winger, high on their list.
Chelsea talent ID chief Joe Shields knows Rogers from his time at Manchester City, where the England attacker also played with current Blues players Cole Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo. Though Villa will play in the Champions League this season while Chelsea will not compete in Europe, it is thought this alone would not affect Rogers’ thinking.
Chelsea are expected to complete a £117million move for Morgan Rogers next week
Xabi Alonso’s side have stolen a march on Arsenal, who had made Rogers a top target
Arsenal have also shown interest in Villa defender Ezri Konsa and an offer is on the cards – though there is some distance between the clubs’ valuations of the England centre-back.
If Rogers departs this summer, it would deprive Villa of a player who has produced double figures in goals and assists in the last two seasons.
With the club operating within strict margins after breaking UEFA spending rules, a record sale would boost the balance sheet and give boss Unai Emery the chance to make further signings.
