London, September 30, 2025 – Chelsea’s transfer radar is buzzing after Cole Palmer openly admitted Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is one of his closest friends in football—just as reports emerge of the Blues preparing a €100 million bid for the winger next summer.
The 23-year-old, who delivered 30 goal contributions in 54 appearances last season, shares a long-standing bond with Palmer from their Manchester City academy days. The two remain inseparable off the pitch, chatting daily and even sharing celebrations, fueling belief that their friendship could give Chelsea the edge over rivals Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for Rogers.
Palmer’s comments came during a Nike “Feed the Phantom” interview on Sky Sports, where Chelsea’s No. 10 named Rogers alongside Tosin Adarabioyo and Cesare Casadei as part of his tight-knit circle. “Morgan’s like a brother—we still talk every day. If he ends up anywhere near London…” Palmer trailed off with a grin, sending speculation into overdrive. Within hours, the clip had 2.5 million views on X, with hashtags #PalmerRogers and #CFCTransferBoost trending.
Chelsea’s Plan
The Blues’ interest in Rogers has been simmering since January. Villa rejected a £70m approach in July, but financial pressures from heavy spending could force their hand if Chelsea return with a nine-figure offer in 2026. Reports suggest a player-plus-cash package may be on the table, with Cobham talents like Kendry Páez tipped as potential sweeteners.
Unai Emery has repeatedly stressed Rogers’ importance, but with Villa battling PSR restrictions after splashing on Amadou Onana and others, insiders admit €100m could prove irresistible.
Why Rogers?
Chelsea’s attack remains unsettled under Enzo Maresca, who is coping with a wave of injuries, Caicedo’s suspension, and a sluggish start to the season. Palmer’s injury absence has left a creative void, while Noni Madueke’s sale to Arsenal deepened the right-wing gap.
Rogers—fast, versatile, and with one of the league’s highest key-pass rates among wingers—fits the bill. His connection with Palmer only strengthens the argument, with pundit Joe Cole calling it Chelsea’s potential “X-factor.”
The Buzz Around Cobham
Fan reactions reflect both excitement and impatience:
- “Palmer just gave the green light. Get it done, Boehly.”
- “Imagine Palmer and Rogers linking up again—deadly.”
- “€100m is huge, but for chemistry like that? Worth it.”
Even Maresca dropped a sly hint after Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Brighton, saying: “Friends who push each other always raise the team.”
The Bigger Picture
Rogers’ arrival would underline Todd Boehly’s blueprint of investing big in young English talent, while also handing Palmer a trusted partner on the pitch. For Villa, the deal could unlock funds through necessity. For Chelsea, it might finally stabilize a stuttering €1.2 billion project.
As Palmer continues his rehab, his bond with Rogers is suddenly more than friendship—it could be Chelsea’s trump card in the next transfer saga.
From academy brothers to potential Stamford Bridge partners—Palmer and Rogers could be the duo that reshapes Chelsea’s attack.
