How much Arsenal were willing to pay for Morgan Rogers

Arsenal have missed out on signing Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers to Chelsea this summer.

The Gunners were widely considered favourites to land the England international, but the Blues hijacked the deal out of the blue.

It is now revealed that Arsenal were reluctant to pay more than £80 million for the attacker, which contributed to an impasse in negotiations.

The Gunners planned to return with an improved package in the coming days, but they were caught off guard by Chelsea's pursuit of the player.

Chelsea agreed to Villa's asking price of £117 million, and Rogers has already given the green light to join the west London giants.

The 23-year-old was leaning towards the Gunners but has been convinced to join the Blues after a personal phone call with Blues manager Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been hailed for his communication and man-management in the past and the Spaniard may have pulled off a coup by persuading Rogers.