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

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has said the summer signing of Morgan Rogers was a ‘big one’ for the club’s rebuild.

Chelsea secured the signing of Rogers from Aston Villa for a club record fee of £117m during the summer window, with the midfielder making an immediate impact.

Rogers marked his Chelsea debut with goal at Fulham and added an assist during last weekend’s win over Brighton.

Chelsea faceArsenal in the Premier League this weekend, having beaten their London rivals to the signing of Rogers. The Blues’ bold bid saw off competition from the champions for Rogers, and Alonso admits it was a statement of intent from his side.

He backed Rogers to be a key player at Stamford Bridge for several seasons to come.

“Morgan was a big, big one to get a player of his stature – in the present and future,” Alonso said at hispre-match press conference.

“He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He’s had a great impact.”

“Phase one is completed” — Alonso celebrates Chelsea’s bold rebuild as £117m Rogers makes instant impact

Chelsea were one of the most active teams in thePremier League during the summer window. The West Londoners brought in 11 new signings, and recouped a record-breaking sum of more than £400m through sales.

Alonso said Chelsea can be ‘very happy’ with their business in ‘phase one’ of his rebuild.

“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.”