New Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers says he is “really excited” about “where the club is heading” under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The Blues completed the signing of England midfielder Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record transfer fee of £117m on Monday.

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It had been widely expected that Rogers, who was Villa’s most prized asset, would be available only for an English transfer record fee, but many expected Arsenal to be the frontrunners.

However, Chelsea had been tracking Rogers for more than two years and had quietly made him their top attacking target with a combined effort involving the club’s sporting directors, Alonso and co-owner Behdad Eghbali helping to secure a deal.

“I’m so excited,” Rogers said on the move.

“For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.

“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.

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“The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward, it’s something I want to be a part of and I think it was just perfect for me.

“I’m a free spirit, free-flowing footballer. I like to take risks, make things happen, change games. Whatever that may take. Just can’t wait to get started.”