Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa star, Morgan Rogers if Unai Emery’s side launch a bid for Nicolas Jackson this summer as the World Champions look to take advantage of Villa’s financial predicament, and this could be a reunion between the midfielder and Cole Palmer.
Rogers quickly cemented his place in Unai Emery’s starting line up after joining Villa from Middlesbrough in early 2024. While the Villans consider Rogers to be an integral part of the team and are not thinking of parting ways with him this summer, their financial vulnerability might force them to offload some of their key men this summer transfer window.
Jackson, 24, has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit in recent weeks and Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on his situation in west London.
The Senegal international has been a regular at Chelsea since his arrival from Villarreal two years ago, but he fell behind summer signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the pecking order at the Club World Cup, and a sale has not been ruled out.
Manchester United see Jackson as a possible transfer target amid their pursuit of a new centre forward, While Aston Villa are known admirers and could chase a deal as they look to sign a replacement for Jhon Duran who departed in January.
Emery played a key role in Jackson’s development during their time together at Villarreal, and it’s believed that he would be open to a reunion at Villa Park if Chelsea set a suitable asking price.
The Blues are reportedly demanding a mind-blowing fee of €115 million to sanction a sale this summer, although Jackson’s Estimated Transfer Value stands at a far more reasonable €65.2m and Villa may be tempted to lodge a bid if Chelsea are willing to lower their demands.
However, The Telegraph’s Matt Law has confirmed that Chelsea will look to sign Morgan Rogers if Villa pursue a move for Jackson before the end of the summer transfer window.
The England international scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists during an excellent 2024-25 campaign and Softfootball understands that he is now Chelsea’s top transfer target.
During a recent appearance on the London is Blue podcast, Law admitted:
“I’m not told by anyone at Chelsea but I’m told by people on the outside that if Villa do go for Nicolas Jackson, it will immediately trigger a bid for Morgan Rogers from Chelsea.”
Although Cole Palmer enjoyed a strong on pitch relationship with Jackson, he would no doubt endorse the Senegal star’s departure if Chelsea are able to land Rogers.
The pair played together in Manchester City’s academy and they remain extremely close friends to this day. They even share the same celebration, and Palmer would likely relish the opportunity to play with Rogers at club level once again.
Softfootball reported earlier that Chelsea have identified three players targeted for Strasbourg loan spells.
Chelsea have identified three players they wish to send out on loan to sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1 for the 2025-26 campaign according to the emerging reports.
The success of Djordje Petrovic and midfielder Andrey Santos’ time in France has resulted in the desire to loan a number of other prospects to the fellow BlueCo-owned club.
