Xabi Alonso details Chelsea ‘plan’ to start record signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer

Xabi Alonso is confident Cole Palmer and new signing Morgan Rogers will have plenty of on-pitch chemistry in the Chelsea starting XI.

Rogers joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a British record £117million move last week as the statement signing of the summer thus far.

Getty Images - Getty

The 24-year-old has reunited with his former Manchester City youth teammate Palmer, with the pair being close friends off the pitch.

Both players have similar profiles – attacking midfielders who possess top-level technical ability and a keen eye for goal.

They look set to form part of a new-look Chelsea attack under Alonso, who is ready to deploy them together in the new season.

When asked during a pre-season press conference if he has a strategy for the duo, the Blues boss said: “Yes, I have a plan, I have an idea.

“I can see them linking really well. We need to have a good mix, good stability, players that can play with more freedom.

“If we get that balance right, and we get those special players in the right positions with good control, I think that we will be more competitive.”

Chelsea have ‘good feeling’ with Rogers

Arsenal appeared to be the likely destination for Rogers ahead of the defence of their Premier League title.

However, Chelsea managed to complete a deal within 48 hours, with co-owner Behdad Eghbali having a significant role in the pitch to the player.

Rogers will wear the no. 17 shirt at Stamford Bridge, and is an arrival that has inspired optimism within the Chelsea squad.

“It’s a great signing,” Alonso said. “I think, in that position, we needed an important player, and I’m sure that there were not many more better options than Morgan.

Getty Images - Getty

“So, we are delighted. It means a lot for everyone, and for the players that are already here as well.

“They have a good feeling and are looking forward to having him in a few weeks.”

Having reached the World Cup semi-finals with England, Rogers is not part of the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour.

They are up against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday for their first friendly, with kick-off at 10:45am UK time.

All change at the Bridge

There was little to no chance of Chelsea having a quiet summer after finishing tenth in the Premier League last season.

Alongside Rogers, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have all completed moves to west London.

Getty

Maxence Lacroix looks set to be their fifth signing, and his £55m switch from Crystal Palace will take Chelsea’s spending north of £280m.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT brought you the news of their shock interest in Brighton striker Danny Welbeck earlier on Monday.

Talks are in the early stages, and it’s understood that Brighton will not stand in the 35-year-old’s way if a fair fee is agreed.

Chelsea are also battling against Arsenal and Italian clubs to sign John Stones following his exit from Man City.

Off the pitch, Austin MacPhee is on the brink of joining from Villa as a set piece coach.

His arrival into Alonso’s coaching team comes after Bernardo Cueva switched from set piece coach to technical analyst at Chelsea.