Alonso says beating Arsenal to Morgan Rogers signing a 'big one' for Chelsea rebuild

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has hailed the summer signing of Morgan Rogers as a "big one" for the club's rebuild. The 20-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for a club-record fee of £117 million during the summer window. Rogers made an immediate impact, scoring a goal for his new side in his debut match against Fulham and providing an assist in the recent win over Brighton.

Chelsea secured Rogers ahead of their London rivals Arsenal, with Alonso admitting it was a statement of intent from the Blues. He backed Rogers to be a key player for the club over the next six to seven years, stating, "He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He's had a great impact." Alonso also expressed satisfaction with Chelsea's transfer window activities, saying, "We can be very happy with the whole transfer window.

What we started talking about in May/early June - many things we have. It is a very balanced phase one we have made in this transfer window. Phase one is completed, it's a good one for now and for the future."