Cole Palmer reacts to ‘working’ message amid Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers interest
Chelsea star Cole Palmer faces increased competition for his place next season as the Blues look to sign a new midfielder.
Palmer was influential in Enzo Maresca’s side last campaign when Chelsea managed a top four Premier League finish, won the Europa Conference League and defeated PSG to triumph at the Club World Cup.
However, the former Manchester City academy graduate’s form faded at the back on the Premier League season and Maresca wants to add depth to his forward options in this window.
Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers is a target for Chelsea and Maresca is willing to offer the Villans striker Nicolas Jackson and defender Tosin Adarabioyo to complete a deal.
Gittens starts pre-season early
Maresca has signed three new forwards so far in Brighton striker Joao Pedro, Ipswich front man Liam Delap and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
Gittens is eager to land a place in the starting line-up when Chelsea start their league campaign against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.
The 20-year-old posted on his Instagram a reel of him training whilst abroad with the caption: “Working in the heat,” which was liked by Palmer.
Rogers arrival could assist Palmer form
With Champions League football increasing the load on his key players next season, Maresca needs depth in his squad to rest and rotate his starting XI when possible.
The arrival of Rogers may be able to keep Palmer fresh for the biggest games where his presence is most needed.
The 23-year-old wont want to come to Stamford Bridge just to sit on the bench, but there are enough matches in a season that Rogers could still play a big part in Maresca’s squad.
An injury to Palmer would be disastrous for Chelsea, but Rogers has a similar skill set that could replace his creativity, flair and goalscoring ability.
| Apperances | 52 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 14 |
Aston Villa have placed a £100m valuation on Rogers and Unai Emery does not want to lose the star this summer amid a potential exodus of players.
Chelsea though can offer Rogers Champions League football, which Villa cannot following their defeat at Manchester United on the final day of last season.
That controversial match looks to have cost Villa more than just a place in Europe’s top competition.