Chelsea could use UEFA warning to get Morgan Rogers transfer discount as Enzo Maresca plan clear

Chelsea could leverage UEFA's latest warning to sign Morgan Rogers for a discounted fee. The Aston Villa star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his squad.

Rogers, whose contract at Villa Park expires in June 2030, featured 37 times in the Premier League last campaign -scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists. Playing a key role in Unai Emery's side, he helped the Villans finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League.

The England international's impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, with Chelsea claimed to be admirers. football.london understands that the Blues are interested in Rogers - as they look to sign at least one more attacker in the coming weeks.

It's said that Aston Villa have no intention of selling the 22-year-old this summer but, if they did, they'd demand an 'extortionate price'. Fortunately for Maresca, though, UEFA may have just given the Blues a helping hand in the race for Rogers' signature.

According to The Times, UEFA have warned Chelsea and Aston Villa that they're monitoring player 'swap deals' to ensure that fees have not been inflated. It's said that some clubs have viewed such business as a way to artificially boost transfer income to help with spending rules.

Last summer, the Blues signed Omari Kellyman from the Villans for £19m, with Ian Maatsen going the other way for £37.5m in the same window. The report claims that UEFA will monitor all 'swap deals' across Europe, but they'll have a close eye on the two Premier League clubs.

With the governing body seen to be clamping down on such loop-holes, Chelsea should make a swift move for Rogers knowing that Aston Villa won't name an unrealistic price tag. The Englishman, who briefly played under Maresca in Manchester City's academy, would be a significant upgrade on Noni Madueke, who recently swapped Stamford Bridge for Arsenal and the Emirates Stadium.

Not only would Rogers bolster the Blues' options on the left, he'd also provide cover for Cole Palmer in the No.10 position. As it happens, the duo are close friends, and they famously share the same 'cold' goal celebration.

Many thought that Rogers 'copied' Palmer when he scored in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea back in April 2024. Speaking to reporters at Villa Park after the game, the Villa ace joked: "Yeah, he [Palmer] definitely copied me.

"It's my celebration. Check the timeline. I did it first. He's one of my closest friends, not just in football but in life generally. So, to see him doing so well, couldn't be more proud of him, really.

"I think he's now showing everyone what I and a lot of people knew he could do two or three years ago - so it's a pleasure to - and now everyone can see it."

Then, in an interview with TNT Sports following Aston Villa's win over Bayern Munich in October, Rogers conceded: "I'll let him [Palmer] have it [the 'cold' celebration]. He's scored 40 goals or something stupid. Can't really argue with that, can I?"