Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a "plan" to play club record £117m signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer and believes the England international will make an "instant impact". The midfielder became the most expensive British player of all-time when he moved from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge last week. The 24-year-old is on holiday after playing for England at the World Cup, while Chelsea have begun their pre-season tour in Sydney.

"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." Rogers has signed a six-year contract with an option for a further year. Alonso insists he will be ready despite not yet taking part in pre-season training, and believes he will be compatible with fellow England international Palmer. The pair describe each other as being among their "best friends in football". "I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well," Alonso said.

The Blues are also expected to announce the £52m signing of France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old would be Chelsea's oldest signing since 2022. Chelsea have also brought in winger Geovany Quenda, striker Emmanuel Emegha, full-back Marco Palestra, and are expected to sign midfielder Valentin Barco, leaving nearly 40 players in the squad. "We need to know that there will probably still be some movement," Alonso added. "We need to be flexible and quick to act."