Tottenham Hotspur have missed out on Morgan Rogers after Chelsea agreed a £117m deal with Aston Villa for the England international.
Rogers had reportedly emerged as a dream signing for Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs searched for greater creativity and power across their attack.
The 23-year-old can play from the left or behind the striker, offering the positional flexibility De Zerbi values in his forwards.
However, Chelsea have moved decisively to secure Rogers. He is expected to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham were never described as being as advanced as Chelsea or Arsenal, but the agreement removes one of the most attractive Premier League attackers from their shortlist.
Tottenham must now complete their attacking rebuild
Rogers’ move places greater importance on Tottenham’s pursuit of Savinho.
Read Tottenham reported on Friday that Spurs were closing in on a deal worth around £65m after agreeing personal terms with the Manchester City winger.
Savinho would bring direct running and natural width, although he offers a different profile to Rogers. The Brazilian is more comfortable stretching defences from wide areas, while Rogers regularly carries possession through central spaces.
Eli Junior Kroupi also remains on Tottenham’s attacking list. The Bournemouth forward scored 13 Premier League goals last season and could add greater penalty-area threat around Dominic Solanke.
According to The Times, Rogers is now set to become Chelsea’s highest-profile signing under Xabi Alonso.
Spurs have already strengthened De Zerbi’s midfield and defence with Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Missing out on Rogers is disappointing, but Tottenham’s summer will be judged by whether they complete the attack. Savinho now looks increasingly important to finishing that rebuild.