Joe Cole has claimed that Morgan Rogers’ impending move to Chelsea will ‘probably’ open the door for Enzo Fernandez to leave the club this summer. Widespread reports on Saturday indicated Chelsea had agreed a club-record £117 million transfer deal with Aston Villa for Rogers, a stunning development that took many fans by surprise.
Rogers’ move and its implications
Rogers had been heavily linked with Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal for much of the summer, but the Premier League champions must now explore alternative avenues to bolster their attacking options. The 23-year-old England international is expected to undergo a medical with the Blues this week after returning from the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in the United States.
The eye-watering sum that Chelsea have agreed to pay for Rogers surpasses the £107 million fee the club splashed out on Argentina central midfielder Enzo Fernandez three years ago. With Fernandez reportedly pushing to depart Stamford Bridge, ex-Chelsea star Cole cannot envisage a world in which the two players join forces under Xabi Alonso next season.
Cole: ‘I think that means Enzo is probably out the door’
‘I’m really happy because he’s such a top, top player and he’s performed well,’ Cole said on The Rest Is Football. ‘But I think that means Enzo is probably out the door because you’ve got to balance the books somewhere. I think he’ll play off the left and he’s really good friends with Cole Palmer… I think that’s a really good signing. I’m not sure where we’re finding the money from to be honest!’
Alan Shearer was not surprised to discover the hefty fee paid for Rogers given Elliot Anderson’s big-money move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City earlier this summer. ‘As soon as Elliot Anderson went for £116 million then that was going to be the price for the next big move,’ the ex-England and Newcastle striker said in response to Cole’s comments. ‘Rogers is a brilliant talent but Chelsea still need a centre-forward.’
Arsenal turn to alternative target
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have turned to RB Leipzig youngster Yan Diomande after being beaten to a deal for Rogers by Chelsea. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international enjoyed an outstanding debut season with Leipzig last term and is widely considered to be among the most exciting attacking talents in European football. It’s understood the Bundesliga outfit are standing firm over their £102 million valuation of the teenager.
