On Monday, Rogers returned from the United States, having featured for England at the World Cup, to undergo a medical in London and sign a six-year contract with an option for a further year.
It had been widely expected that Rogers, who was Villa’s most prized asset, would be available only for an English transfer record fee, but many expected Arsenal to be the frontrunners. However, Chelsea had been tracking Rogers for more than two years and had quietly made him their top attacking target.
On Thursday, after the 2-1 loss, a combined effort involving the club’s sporting directors, head coach Xabi Alonso and co-owner Behdad Eghbali helped secure a deal. Even Chelsea captain Reece James was making the club’s case from within the England camp, while those close to the negotiations say Cole Palmer was also aware of developments as, in Rogers’ words, “one of my best friends in life”.
It was a well-planned operation involving figures across the club and resulted in Rogers being signed in under 48 hours.
