RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesNew Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso speaks during his official unveiling at Stamford Bridge. Adam Davy/PA Wire/dpa
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he has a plan for how to fit Cole Palmer and new signing Morgan Rogers into his team.
The Blues broke their transfer record last week to make Rogers the most expensive British buy, spending £117 million ($156 million) to take him from Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old was most often used as a number 10 at Villa Park, the position usually filled by Palmer for Chelsea, though Rogers can also play further wide.
“In that position we needed an important player and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers,” Alonso said.
“You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I’m sure Morgan won’t need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates.
“That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.”
Rogers is currently on holiday after playing for England at the World Cup, whilst Chelsea flew out on Saturday to Sydney to begin their pre-season tour.
“I have a plan,” said Alonso. “I have an idea. I can see them linking really well.
“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball.”
Alonso indicated there will likely be more transfer activity for Chelsea before the season begins, with a deal having been agreed to sign defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
The club have prioritised the signing of a central defender since missing out on Jeremy Jacquet – who opted to join Liverpool – in January.
“We need to know that there will probably still be some movement,” Alonso said.
“We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built.
“It will probably change before the transfer window closes.”
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