(Credit: Getty)

Edward Bazeley

Tue 22 July 2025 17:59, UK

Aston Villa will be desperate to retain Morgan Rogers amid transfer interest from freshly crowned Club World Cup champions Chelsea.

After thriving for Unai Emery’s men last term, Rogers has been linked with Chelsea, who have been notably active in the transfer market.

But even though the attacking midfielder notched eight goals and 10 assists in 37 Premier League appearances last term, Villa missed out on a Champions League qualification.

Contrastingly, Chelsea landed a top-five spot, thanks to a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on the final day of the campaign.

Chelsea set to cool interest in Rogers amid Xavi Simons advances

Chelsea’s links to Aston Villa ace Rogers show that Enzo Maresca is still keen on signing an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide, despite the presence of Cole Palmer.

During their triumphant Club World Cup campaign, the West Londoners deployed Enzo Fernandez in the ‘number 10’ role, allowing Palmer to thrive on the right flank.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Leipzig want £60million for Xavi Simons, amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Netherlands international has informed the Bundesliga club he wants to leave, after they finished just seventh in the German top flight last term.

But if Maresca’s side complete their move for Simons, they will not also make a swoop for Rogers, due to the similarity in qualities between the two players.

Chelsea are already keen to sanction the exits of Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku, so it would be illogical to add two more players in that area of the field.

Aston Villa will be delighted to retain Rogers

Chelsea’s advances for Simons, and the fact that the 22-year-old wants to leave Leipzig, should come as a relief to Aston Villa, who are set to continue benefiting from the services of Rogers.

The former Manchester City academy starlet scored 14 goals and produced 13 assists for Emery’s side across all competitions last term, showcasing how invaluable he is to the Villa Park club.

Meanwhile, Rogers did not look out of place in the Champions League last season, notching four goals and two assists in Europe, helping the West Midlands outfit reach the quarter-finals.

But even though Rogers and Villa won’t enjoy a seat at the top table of European football together next term, the England star is capable of helping them win the Europa League.

Emery has already won four Europa League titles, while his attacking midfielder boasts the ability to help the Spaniard win the competition yet again.

Elsewhere, John McGinn has been tipped to become Everton captain next season if he leaves Emery’s side in a Villa News exclusive.