Morgan Rogers completes British record £117m move to Chelsea from Aston Villa

Villa have confirmed the sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea in a British record £117million deal.

The 23-year-old has departed after making 127 appearances and scoring 31 goals in two-and-a-half years, having joined from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m fee.

His final appearance and goal for Villa came in May’s Europa League final win over Freiburg, which ended the club’s 30-year trophy drought.

Rogers’ future had been the subject of intense speculation since the start of the summer and his departure helps ease the financial pressure on Villa from Uefa’s financial rules.

Premier League champions Arsenal had long been considered favourites for his signature.

But with the Gunners reluctant to meet Villa’s asking price, Chelsea moved swiftly last week to tie up a deal inside 48 hours.

Rogers underwent a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract, with the option for a further year.

A Villa statement read: “A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career.

“He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories.”

Villa have already moved to replace him by breaking their own transfer record with the £52m signing of Switzerland international Johan Manzambi.

They have also added midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves and are close to sealing a loan move for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho.