David Ornstein: Top Arsenal target agrees shock Chelsea move
Chelsea has reached a verbal agreement to sign Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers for a record-breaking £117 million fee. The move comes as a surprise after Arsenal had been heavily linked to the England international throughout the summer.
Why it matters
This transfer sets a new record for an English player and significantly alters the competitive landscape for top-tier Premier League clubs.
David Ornstein: Top Arsenal target agrees shock Chelsea move Just Arsenal Sat, July 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. UTC · 3 min read Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers appears to have come to an abrupt end after trusted journalist David Ornstein revealed Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign the England international.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with Rogers throughout the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting Mikel Arteta viewed the versatile attacker as one of his priority attacking targets.
However, according to Ornstein, Chelsea have now won the race.
The Athletic correspondent reports that Chelsea have agreed a deal worth £117 million , with Aston Villa accepting the offer. Rogers is expected to sign a six-year contract, with the option of a further year , while a medical has reportedly been scheduled for Monday.
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