Morgan Rogers is expected to join Chelsea in a reported $157.3 million deal, with new manager Xabi Alonso playing a central role in persuading the 23-year-old to move to west London.
Premier League champions Arsenal had also shown interest, but Chelsea's approach reportedly convinced Rogers and Aston Villa. The England international is due to complete the transfer after returning from the United States.
Rogers gives Alonso several options. Rogers has Premier League experience and can operate centrally or from the left, allowing Chelsea to change shape without changing personnel.
Rogers on Chelsea's left wing
Alonso built his success in Germany around a back three, although he later moved to a back four at Real Madrid and is expected to remain flexible at Chelsea.
Using Rogers from the left would allow Cole Palmer to stay as Chelsea's No. 10. Aside from the developing Estevao, the Blues received limited production from their wide players last season.
Rogers established himself at Villa Park while playing off Ollie Watkins, but left wing has been his most frequent position in senior soccer. Under Unai Emery, he regularly moved inside from Villa's narrow shape rather than remaining on the touchline.
His pace, combination play and ability to carry the ball make him effective from that starting position. An overlapping left back could provide width when Rogers moves centrally, while Palmer retains freedom to drift from the right onto his preferred left foot.
Rogers as Chelsea's No. 10
Rogers is unlikely to replace Palmer permanently, but Alonso could use him as the central attacking midfielder when Palmer starts on the right. That would place Rogers closer to Joao Pedro.
The England midfielder made his biggest impact at Villa by driving through central areas. He also offers direct ball-carrying, runs beyond the striker and a threat when arriving in the penalty area, qualities that could be useful when Chelsea attack in transition.
His passing can lack efficiency and precision, but his direct running gives the attack a different option. Alonso reportedly presented Rogers with a plan to start on the left while retaining the option of using him as the nominal No. 10.
Rogers and Palmer as dual 10s
Chelsea's summer recruitment also points toward a possible return to three center backs. Italian arrival Marco Pelestra is expected to operate as a wingback, a role that would support the system Alonso used successfully at Bayer Leverkusen.
In that shape, Rogers and Palmer could play together behind Joao Pedro. The pair developed in Manchester City's academy and have remained close, which could help their combinations between the lines.
Palmer is most effective when free to create, while Rogers would add forward running and carrying power alongside him. Liam Delap is another former City youth player in the attacking group, but Joao Pedro is expected to remain Alonso's starting striker.
The three options give Chelsea tactical flexibility. Rogers could stretch the field from the left, drive through the center as a No. 10 or join Palmer behind the striker in a back-three system.