Chelsea Football Club’s transfer strategy under their current ownership has been defined by an ambitious pursuit of young, dynamic talents who can contribute immediately while offering long-term potential. As the 2025 summer transfer window heats up, three names have emerged as potential targets for the Blues: West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Each player brings a unique profile, skill set, and level of experience to the table, making them intriguing options for Chelsea’s evolving squad. This survey note compares these three players across key metrics—playing style, statistical output, transfer feasibility, and fit within Chelsea’s system—to assess their suitability as transfer targets, based on reports and data available up to July 8, 2025.
Chelsea are considering the following players should they sell Noni Madueke this summer:
— PureFootball (@PureFootball_co) July 8, 2025
🇦🇷 Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)
🏴 Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
🏴 Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
🇧🇪 Malick Fofana (Lyon)
[@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/IWTvx7Ak9G
Playing Style Analysis
Mohammed Kudus, at 24 years old and playing for West Ham United, is a versatile attacking midfielder/winger known for his explosiveness, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instinct. The Ghanaian international thrives in dynamic systems, capable of playing as a No. 10, right winger, or even a false nine. His direct running, flair on the ball, and knack for creating chances in tight spaces make him a standout in the Premier League. Kudus combines physicality with technical finesse, often overpowering defenders with his low center of gravity and quick changes of direction. His ability to score and assist, as evidenced by his five goals and four assists in the Premier League last season, makes him a well-rounded attacking option.
Ethan Nwaneri, at 18 years old and a product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, is often compared to Bukayo Saka for his creativity and composure. A versatile attacking midfielder or winger, Nwaneri’s game is built on vision, technical precision, and an ability to unlock defenses with incisive passing or dribbling. Despite his youth, he showed maturity in 26 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His slight frame means he relies more on agility and intelligence than physicality, but his potential is immense, positioning him as a long-term investment rather than an immediate starter.
Morgan Rogers, at 22 years old and playing for Aston Villa, is a powerful, pacey winger who has flourished under Unai Emery. Rogers excels in wide areas, using his strength and speed to drive past defenders and create overloads. His versatility allows him to play on either flank or as a central attacking midfielder, though he’s most effective cutting in from the left. Rogers’ standout performances in the Premier League and Champions League last season highlight his ability to impact high-stakes matches. While his goal and assist numbers are less prolific than Kudus’, his work rate and ability to stretch defenses make him a valuable asset in transitional systems.
Statistical Comparison
To provide a clearer picture, let’s examine their 2024/25 Premier League performances, based on available data up to July 8, 2025, sourced from FBref for Kudus and Nwaneri, and previous reports for Rogers. The table below summarizes key metrics:
Player | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists | xG | xA | Dribbles/90 | Key Passes/90 | Pass Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mohammed Kudus | 32 | 2590 | 5 | 3 | 6.9 | 3.1 | 3.20 | 1.08 | 83.6% |
Ethan Nwaneri | 26 | 895 | 4 | 2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 3.72 | 1.61 | 80.5% |
Morgan Rogers | 37 | 3168 | 8 | 11 | 3.65 | 2.97 | 2.2 | 1.51 | 75.21% |
- Mohammed Kudus: Recorded 5 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances, playing 2590 minutes. His expected goals (xG) of 6.9 and expected assists (xA) of 3.1 suggest he was slightly underperforming his expected output, with a high pass completion rate of 83.6%. Kudus excels in dribbling, averaging 3.20 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and contributes 1.08 key passes per 90, showcasing his creative influence.
- Ethan Nwaneri: In 26 appearances totaling 895 minutes, Nwaneri scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists, with xG and xA both at 1.2, indicating he met expectations. His dribbling is notable, with 3.72 successful dribbles per 90, and he averages 1.61 key passes per 90, reflecting his playmaking potential despite limited minutes. His pass completion rate is 80.5%, slightly lower than Kudus but still solid for his age.
- Morgan Rogers: Played 33 matches for 3131 minutes, scoring 8 goals and assisting 8 times, with xG of 3.65 and xA of 2.97, showing he significantly overperformed his expected output. Rogers averages 2.2 dribbles and 1.6 key passes per 90, with a pass completion rate of 75.21%, indicating a more physical, less precise passing game compared to Kudus and Nwaneri.
🚨 Chelsea are also big admirers of Morgan Rogers. [@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/HHUj5Y2xna
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 8, 2025
Fit Within Chelsea’s Tactical System
Chelsea’s current squad, under manager Enzo Maresca, operates in a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, emphasizing pace, creativity, and versatility in attack. The Blues have already signed attackers like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Estevao Willian, but the potential departure of Noni Madueke to Arsenal could open a spot for a new winger, influencing their transfer priorities.
- Kudus: His versatility and proven Premier League pedigree make him an ideal fit. Kudus could replace Madueke on the right, compete with Cole Palmer for the No. 10 role, or even play as a second striker alongside Joao Pedro. His physicality aligns with Maresca’s high-pressing system, and his ability to create in tight spaces would complement Chelsea’s attacking depth. However, his high cost and reported preference for Tottenham are significant barriers, potentially affecting squad harmony and financial planning.
- Nwaneri: As a long-term prospect, Nwaneri would compete with Palmer and Christopher Nkunku for attacking midfield roles. His youth and lack of physicality mean he’s not an immediate starter, but his playmaking, evidenced by 3.72 dribbles and 1.61 key passes per 90, could add depth to Chelsea’s squad. The challenge is justifying his signing over existing young talents like Max Dowman, especially given Arsenal’s reluctance to sell, which could strain relations between the clubs and affect Nwaneri’s integration into a competitive first team.
- Rogers: Rogers’ power and pace would suit Chelsea’s transitional style, particularly on the left, where he could rotate with Pedro Neto or Mykhailo Mudryk. His work rate, with 2.2 dribbles and 1.6 key passes per 90, and defensive contributions align with Maresca’s demands, making him a solid squad option. However, his lower goal output compared to Kudus, with 8 goals in 33 appearances, suggests he’s more of a depth player than a transformative signing, potentially limiting his impact in high-stakes matches.
Strategic Implications
Mohammed Kudus stands out as the most likely immediate target. His proven Premier League quality, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances, and versatility make him a priority for Chelsea’s attack, potentially elevating their competitiveness in the top four race. However, his £50-70 million price tag and reported preference for Tottenham pose significant challenges, requiring Chelsea to act decisively and leverage their financial muscle to outbid rivals, which could strain their budget under Financial Fair Play regulations.
Ethan Nwaneri is a high-risk, high-reward option. His potential is undeniable, with 4 goals and 2 assists in 26 appearances, but his limited experience and Arsenal’s determination to keep him, given his contract situation, make a transfer unlikely in 2025. Chelsea’s interest seems more speculative, positioning him as a fallback if other targets fall through, with a potential free move in 2026 if contract talks stall, though this would depend on future negotiations and Arsenal’s stance.
Morgan Rogers offers a balanced profile—young, dynamic, and Premier League-proven, with 8 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances—but lacks the star quality of Kudus or the ceiling of Nwaneri. He’d be a sensible addition to bolster squad depth, particularly if Villa are open to negotiations at £40–50 million, though competing interest from Newcastle could drive costs up. His fit within Chelsea’s system, especially on the left flank, makes him a strong contender if Kudus proves unattainable.
For Chelsea, the decision will hinge on budget, squad needs, and their ability to navigate complex negotiations in a competitive market. Rogers is the dream signing for immediate impact, Kudus the practical choice for squad depth, and Nwaneri a speculative long shot for future potential. The club’s final strategy will likely balance financial constraints with the need to strengthen their attack, potentially prioritizing Rogers for his attainability and fit, while keeping an eye on Kudus’ transfer window developments.
