Chelsea have finalised the statement signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, talkSPORT understands.
The 23-year-old joins the Blues in a £117million deal, making him the most expensive British player in history.
Rogers was the leading transfer target at Arsenal, who looked set to sign him ahead of their Premier League title defence.
However, it’s Chelsea who have welcomed the England international on a six-year deal, with the option of another 12 months.
The deal was done within 48 hours after talks between Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Villa owner Nassef Sawiris with Eghbali playing a significant role in pitching Chelsea to the player.
Meanwhile, Chelsea captain and England right-back Reece James, as well as Rogers’ close friend Cole Palmer, were also said to be part of the pitch.
Before providing two assists in seven World Cup appearances this summer, Rogers had an excellent season with Villa.
The attacking midfielder hit 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 outings, and won the Europa League.
His former club Middlesbrough are due to earn 20 per cent of the profit from Villa’s sale to Chelsea, which will be in the region of £20m.
Blues building
Rogers joins Marco Palestra as a new signing at Chelsea after the latter joined from Atalanta in a £47m deal.
Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha have also arrived following their pre-agreed moves from Sporting and Strasbourg respectively.
Chelsea are in ongoing and positive talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for Maxence Lacroix.
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Palace value the French centre-back, who played at the World Cup this summer, at £55m.
John Stones has also been added to Chelsea’s list of targets, with the 32-year-old now a free agent after leaving Manchester City.
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