Chelsea FC

Chelsea 2023 - Completed Transfers

2023-01-22T23:00:00.002-08:00

1. Raheem Sterling From ManCity £47.5 M

2. Kalidou Koulibaly From Napoli £34m

3. Marc Cucurela From Brighton £62M

4. Wesley Fofana From Leicester City £75m

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang From Barcelona £10M

6. Benoit Badiashile from Monaco £34M

7. Andrey Santos from Vasco de Gama £18M

8. Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on Loan ( £10M)

9.Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakthar Donetsk £89M

Antonio Conte : A New era in Chelsea begins

2016-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

The former Italian Coach Antonio Conte has taken charge as the new chelsea manager.

Loaning Lukaku A good Move or a Bad Move?

2013-10-14T10:45:00.001-07:00

With the start of a new season as Chelsea secured the signing of Samuel Eto , the once prolific frontman from Anzhimakalela; there wasn't much of a reaction when Mourinho decided to loan Lukaku to Everton. But the situation changed drastically just in the time frame of two months.
As Lukaku , the much expected youngster started a goal streak at Everton and the so called big shots in Chelsea front line has yet to produce a goal in their name. Many a fans where asking the same question. Whether it was a bad move by the "Special One" ? As we all know the tactician he is , Mourinho infact did the right thing to loan Lukaku. In a club like chelsea with so much competition for places and such expectations to win every other match they play. It would have been hard to get enough playing time for a youngster like Lukaku. Especially with the likes of Torres , Eto and Ba competing for a single place in the starting line up. Also keeping in mind the fact that , World Cup 2014 is soon arriving and with Belgium emerging as 5thFavourites for the cup , a player like Lukaku needs much more playing time to keep his metal in shine.
Lukaku though physically strong and with lot of talent ; he is very young and at the age of 20 , he defenitely has a lot of years left in his bag. The way he is evolving at Everton now , there is nothing left to imagination that he will be the main strike power of Chelsea attacking squad for the Season 2014-2015. Yes finally Chelsea have a 'new Drogba' in the making.

CHELSEA SIGN EDEN HAZARD

2012-06-04T19:21:00.001-07:00

CHELSEA SIGN d New European PRICELET " EDEN HAZARD "

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have agreed terms with Lille for the transfer of Eden Hazard. The 21-year-old Belgian international has agreed personal terms with the club and today passed a medical examination.
He will join the club in July when the players return for pre-season training. Hazard, who was pursued by a host of top European clubs, moves to Stamford Bridge from the French Ligue 1 team, who he joined back in 2005 from Belgian side Tubize. He is a versatile attacker who can play out wide, behind the frontman or as an out-and-out striker. Having been named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year at the tender age of 17, the outstanding achievement from his five years in France was securing the league and cup double in 2010/11, his stock rising rapidly with a string of impressive displays.
During his final season at Lille, when he was a team-mate of Joe Cole, he scored 21 goals in 48 games and made 18 assists, playing an integral role as the club finished third behind Montpellier and Paris St-Germain, to make the Champions League qualifying rounds. He signed off in style after being handed the captain's armband for his final game for Lille, scoring a memorable hat-trick against Nancy in a devastating first-half display. Hazard made his Belgium international debut as a 17-year-old in a game against Luxembourg in November 2008, coming on as a late substitute.
He has 28 caps to his name and played the full 90 minutes in the friendly defeat against England at Wembley on Saturday where he came up against three of his new Chelsea team-mates. Following his medical today, he said: 'I'm delighted to finally arrive here, it's a wonderful club and I can't wait to get started.' He becomes the fourth Belgian to join the club, following the arrivals of Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. He joins German international Marko Marin as new additions to the Chelsea squad since the January transfer window.

Chelsea Won Champions League 2012

2012-05-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

BAYERN MUNICH 1 CHELSEA 1 (3-4 ON PENS)
n 'd HOLY GRAIL' is OURS!!!!!!

Moscow seems a long time ago now as the ghost of 2008 was buried by a penalty shoot-out win for the Blues. We seemed dead and buried when Bayern Munich took the lead after 82 minutes of a game they dominated in the face of some high-class Chelsea defending, but showing the resilience yet again that had taken us all this way to Munich, Didier Drogba netted his ninth goal in nine cup finals with two minutes left to play. Cech then saved a penalty, given away by Drogba in extra-time, and not converted by Arjen Robben, so 10 more penalties had to be taken to determine the destiny of the European Cup.
It didn't start well as Juan Mata failed with Chelsea's first but Cech saved one and Bastian Schweinsteiger struck woodwork before that man Drogba stepped up to win the competition for the first time for a London club, with the satisfaction that it had been acheived in our opponents' stadium and the added prize of qualification for next season's Champions League. Team news Roberto Di Matteo decided upon Ryan Bertrand in front of Ashley Cole on the flank that Arjen Robben and Philipp Lahm attack down for Bayern. The 22-year-old made his Champions League debut. David Luiz and Gary Cahill were fit to start with Jose Bosingwa completing the defence. Frank Lampard and John Mikel Obi were the deeper midfielders with Juan Mata in front of them, Salomon Kalou on the right and Didier Drogba leading the attack. Bayern replaced their two suspended defenders with Diego Contento and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, the midfielder deployed at centre-back. Thomas Muller came into midfield.
First half The pre-match proceedings were loud and colourful with Bayern able to organise their end in a display not possible for visiting Chelsea, but the Blues support were in fine voice and the 'Pride of London' flag travelled with them. And then it was time for kick-off, Chelsea attacking towards the German side's supporters. Lampard tackled Robben and then Cole went in hard on Kroos to give away a free-kick in the opening seconds. Inside two minutes Schweinsteiger was booked for a clear handball as Mikel tried to play out from the back and find Lampard. Bayern advanced on four minutes and Schweinsteiger shot but Cahill stretched out a long leg and deflected it for a corner. Chelsea's first attack came with six minutes played, a few nervy looking passes leading to a Drogba cross that was overhit. Chelsea kept the pressure on but then Robben broke threateningly, only to sky his shot badly. Bayern were dominating possession but without the feeling they were about to break through the defence at any second that comes when Barcelona do similar. Gomez stretching over the top of David Luiz headed a cross over.
On 17 minutes Robben met a Kroos corner with a half-volley but it was deflected for another corner which led to the scariest moment yet when Gomez tricked Cahill, Lampard couldn't get the ball out of the six-yard box and Bosingwa sliced his clearance behind him but into a safe zone. Twenty minutes had gone and Chelsea still hadn't tested Manuel Neuer. Cech on the other hand had to be at his best to turn wide a Robben shot after the former Blue wriggled past Bosingwa. Just before the half-hour, David Luiz put an arm across the front of Muller and fouled him. Robben's free-kick was a long way off clearing the Chelsea defensive wall. The former Chelsea man did not have a good night. Two minutes later we briefly found space and Bertrand, supplied by Mata, took on Lahm but the German international stood firm and made the necessary tackle. On 32 minutes, Cahill was found upfield by Kalou and drew a foul out of Boateng. It was just outside the area, a bit to the right and made for the left foot of Mata, but the Spaniard shot several yards over the bar. Three minutes later Bayern missed their best chance yet, Muller found unmarked near the penalty spot by Contento but he volleyed wide. Wayward shooting by the men in red continued as one of the themes of the night. Suddenly the ball was up the other end and Drogba was battling with the Bayern central defence, only the third time a Chelsea player had touched the ball in their area, but he was crowded out. It seemed to spark some belief into the performance and Bertrand picked out Drogba who in turn played the ball out wide to an unmarked Kalou. The shot was low and hard and forced the first save out of Neuer. However as we pressed a bit, Bayern became more of a counter-attacking threat and there was much relief when Gomez shot well, well over when presented with a golden chance. Second half The first-half stats had shown 60 per cent possession to Bayern with eight corners to our nil and 13 attempts on goal to just two from the team from London. The options were to hope for a smash and grab or find some way of taking the game more to a side with an unfamiliar defence.

Ribery attacked and shot after Chelsea lost the ball within a minute of the restart but David Luiz blocked it inside the six-yard box. The Brazilian then got his positioning wrong to let Robben past but Cole saved the day initially and then David Luiz was able to head a shot to safety. Drogba didn't waste the opportunity to attempt a spectacular on the turn from distance on 50 minutes but didn't trouble Neuer. Bayern had the ball in the net soon after but Ribery had lashed it in from an offside position. It was a sign though that they were finding increasing space around our penalty area and the defiant Cole needed to be razor-sharp to block Robben's attempt after Gomez had shown good control. The game entered the final half-hour with Bayern continuing to drag shots wide. Chelsea's attacking potential was diminished by diligent crowding of Mata when he was on the ball. Cole again threw himself in the way of a shot, this time from Kroos before on 71 minutes, Chelsea broke our shackles and Kalou wasn't too far away at all from making something of a Bosingwa cross. Then Drogba got away down the left and nearly picked out Mata right in front of goal but Bayern cleared for a corner. Drogba could have made them pay soon after but didn't catch a shot properly. Were Bayern starting to fear the sucker punch? Malouda had by now come on for Bertrand who seemed to indicate a problem to the bench a minute earlier. RIbery, inside the Chelsea area on the right, shot and it deflected up and dropped worryingly but Cech stretched back and made sure the ball went over the bar. Muller then waited for the ball to fall on his right-foot after an attack started by Schweinsteiger but his shot was a long way wide.
Cole became Chelsea's first booking for a foul on Muller who soon after finally found the breakthrough. Kroos was allowed to cross towards the far post unchallenged and Muller headed down, able to beat Cech with a ball that bounced up above the Chelsea keeper and in off the underside of the bar. There were 82 minutes played. Torres came on for Kalou, David Luiz was booked for kicking Robben, and it was hard to see any way back into this game for Di Matteo's men. But never underestimate Didier Drogba in a cup final. Mata sent an 87th minute corner over towards the near post and the Ivorian thundered a header through the tiny gap between Neuer and his crossbar. He could have even won it in stoppage time after Bayern gave away a free-kick in a very promising position, but the shot was too high. Extra time first period It was a bright start by the Blues but then with three minutes gone, Drogba unnecessarily caught the heel of Ribery and gave away a penalty. It fell to Robben to try to beat his friend Cech but the pressure told, as it had done on Lionel Messi in the semi-final, and the Chelsea keeper was able to save low down to his left as Robben couldn't find the corner. Ribery didn't recover from the foul by Drogba and was replaced by Ivica Olic.
Mistakes were increasingly creeping into the German side's play and although they were still on top, the game was less one-sided than in normal time. Further chances at either end were scarce. Extra time second period Bayern really should have retaken the lead two minutes in when Olic was found all alone at the far post and paddled the ball across to Van Buyten, but the substitute hadn't reacted quickly enough to tap in to the gaping net. Chelsea survived another goalmouth scramble after which Cahill, who played a might game, felt the effect of those weeks out, needing treatment for cramp. Torres was booked for dissent after giving away a foul as he seeked a last-minute winner but it was to be the gut-wrenching experience of a shoot-out once again.
Penalty shoot-out At the Bayern Munich end of the stadium, Cech faced the first one from Lahm and got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. Mata then shot too centrally and had his saved by Neuer. Gomez found the bottom corner to make it 2-0 to Bayern but David Luiz scored his powerfully and it was 2-1. The Bayern keeper took the next one, and beat Cech low to the left so it was 3-1 to the Germans. Lampard roofed his to bring the score back to 3-2 before Olic had his saved by the outstretched arm of Cech and Cole drew the scores level at 3-3 with a crisp strike. Schweinsteiger was next up and the pressure told as he hit the post, Cech possibly getting a finger to it. So it was there for Drogba to win it and this time there was no slipping on the turf by the final taker as he rolled it into the corner.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Cahill, David Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Kalou (Torres 83), Mata, Bertrand (Malouda 72); Drogba
Unused subs Turnbull, Ferreira, Essien, Romeu, Sturridge.
Scorer Drogba 87
Shoot-out penalties David Luiz, Lampard, Cole, Drogba.
Booked Cole 80, David Luiz 85, Drogba 93, Torres 119.

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm (c), Tymoshchuk, Boateng, Contento; Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Robben, T Muller (Van Buyten 85), Ribéry (Olic 96); Gomez.
Unused subs Butt, Rafinha, Usami, Pranjic, Petersen.
Scorer Muller 82.
Shoot-out penalties Lahm, Gomez, Neuer.
Booked Schweinsteiger 1.
Referee Pedro Proença from Portugal.
Crowd 62,500

CHELSEA SIGN RAUL MEIRELES

2011-08-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Raul Meireles from Liverpool on a four-year contract. The midfielder, 28, arrives after just over a season at Anfield in which he made 44 appearances for the Reds. Born in Aves, Portugal, the highly-rated international began his career with his hometown club before a move to top-flight Boavista, where he spent one season before moving to Porto in 2004. It was at the Estadio do Dragao that he flourished and helped Porto to a domestic treble in 2005/06. He scored against Chelsea in the Champions League knockout rounds a year later. Two more league titles followed in 2008 and 2009 and Meireles established himself in the national side, playing under Luiz Felipe Scolari in the lead-up to Euro 2008, where he scored his first international goal. He played every game in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and then scored in South Africa during the 7-0 beating of North Korea to catch Liverpool's eye. After a low-key start in English football, Meireles came to life in January 2011, scoring five times in six games, including a winner at Stamford Bridge. The 5ft 10in midfielder appeared twice from the bench for Kenny Dalglish's side this season before completing his move to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day.

BENAYOUN JOINS ARSENAL ON LOAN

2011-08-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

Yossi Benayoun has tonight (August 31) joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season. The 31-year-old came to Chelsea from Liverpool last summer, but after an impressive start, which included a first goal for the Blues in a 6-0 win at Wigan in August, he ruptured his Achilles on international duty last October forcing him to miss six months of the campaign. In total the Israeli midfielder has made 11 Chelsea appearances, most recently as a substitute at Stoke on the opening weekend of the season

KAKUTA JOINS BOLTON ON LOAN

2011-08-31T19:40:00.001-07:00

Gael Kakuta has tonight joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until January 1. The Frenchman helped his country to the final four of the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia this summer and will now link up with Owen Coyle at the Reebok Stadium, following in the footsteps of Daniel Sturridge, who had a very successful loan spell at Bolton last season. To date, Kakuta has made 16 Chelsea appearances since making his debut in a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2009. The playmaker spent several months on loan at Fulham last season under Mark Hughes, appearing seven times in their colours and scoring his first senior goal in their 3-0 win at Sunderland in April. He signed a long-term deal with the club in December 2010 which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2015.

VAN AANHOLT JOINS WIGAN ON LOAN

2011-08-31T19:38:00.001-07:00

Patrick van Aanholt has today joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. The left-back, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday, signed a four-year deal at Chelsea in May and will join Roberto Martinez's side for the rest of the campaign in order to gain first-team Premier League experience. The Dutch Under 21 international has so far played eight times for Chelsea in competitive fixtures, as well as appearing regularly on loan for Coventry City, Newcastle United and Leicester City in the Championship.

VITESSE LOAN FOR DAVILA

2011-08-31T19:37:00.001-07:00

Chelsea Football Club has reached agreement with Vitesse Arnhem for the season-long loan of Ulises Davila, who recently signed with Chelsea from Chivas. Davila, 20, arrived at Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal at the weekend, and will now head to Holland for a season spent acclimatising to European footbal

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 4 : Ulises Dávila

2011-08-28T03:04:00.001-07:00

Ulises Dávila

Date of Birth:	Apr 13, 1991 (Age 20)
Place of Birth:	Guadalajara
Nationality:	Mexico
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	7
National Team Page:	Mexico Under 20

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 3 : Oriol Romeu Vidal

2011-08-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Oriol Romeu Vidal

Date of Birth:	Sep 24, 1991 (Age 19)
Place of Birth:	Ulldecona
Nationality:	Spain
Height:	182 cm.
Weight:	79 Kg.
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	-
National Team Page:	Spain Under 20

Meet Chelsea's New Signings Part :2 :: Lukaku

2011-08-28T02:56:00.000-07:00

Romelu Lukaku

Date of Birth:	May 13, 1993 (Age 18)
Place of Birth:	Antwerpen
Nationality:	Belgium
Height:	191 cm.
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	-
National Team Page:	Belgium

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 1 : Juan Mata

2011-08-28T02:40:00.001-07:00

Juan Mata

Full Name:	Juan Manuel Mata García
Date of Birth:	Apr 28, 1988 (Age 23)
Place of Birth:	Burgos
Nationality:	Spain
Height:	170 cm.
Weight:	63 Kg.
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	10
National Team Page:	Spain

CHELSEA 3 NORWICH CITY 1

2011-08-28T02:37:00.001-07:00

Chelsea made it consecutive home victories after a troublesome afternoon against the newly-promoted Norwich City. We were in front after just five minutes when Jose Bosingwa netted a stunning drive from around 30 yards, and looked well in control before Norwich got back into the game, forcing Hilario into a string of saves. The Portuguese was eventually beaten after a mix-up with recalled defender Branislav Ivanovic, allowing Grant Holt to level the scores on the hour, but Chelsea's resilience came through once more when a Frank Lampard penalty nine minutes from time earned the three points after Ramires had been brought down by red-carded goalkeeper John Ruddy. Injury to Didier Drogba meant there was 11 minutes of added time, at the end of which substitute Juan Mata opened his Chelsea account, slotting low into the bottom corner after Norwich had gifted him possession inside the area. Romelu Lukaku also came off the bench for his Chelsea debut. BEST MOMENT No doubt it was Bosingwa's opener just five minutes in. The full-back's first goal since November 2008, it gave the goalkeeper no chance and absolutely rocketed into the net. TEAM NEWS Andre Villas-Boas paired Fernando Torres and Drogba together from the start for the first time this season in an apparent change of shape. Florent Malouda was recalled after his winner against West Brom last week, and slotted in on the left of a diamond midfield. In defence, Branislav Ivanovic was picked ahead of Alex, who he replaced during last week's narrow victory. Norwich had Leon Barnett available after suspension, while Wes Hoolahan had shrugged off a hamstring problem to play. FIRST HALF It took less than two minutes for Chelsea to call Ruddy into action, Ramires letting go with a dipping 25-yarder that forced the goalkeeper to concede a corner with a decent save. It was a warning for the Canaries, who had allowed the midfielder space, but they did not learn their lesson and after five minutes the Blues were in front from an almost identical position. Bosingwa strode forward and invited to shoot, cracked an unstoppable drive into Ruddy's top-right corner. An early contender for Goal of the Season that will take some beating, it was an early reward for Chelsea's initial dominance, which also saw Torres and Drogba almost combine for another goal, and the Spaniard have a shot on the turn blocked by a defender. The goal had severely damaged Norwich's game plan, with five defenders and a narrow midfield they had been looking to contain the Blues, but had only served to allow our full-backs, Bosingwa and Ashley Cole, free reign to attack, and additionally Torres and Drogba were linking up well against three centre-backs. They regrouped though, and proceeded to create some impressive openings. Captain Grant Holt had held the ball up well in the corner before attempting to latch onto Hoolahan's lofted ball from deep. Beating the offside trap, he had time to bring the ball down inside the area but went for the first-time finish and failed to connect, Hilario falling on the loose ball. The Chelsea goalkeeper had to be on top form before the half-hour though, first denying Chris Martin one-on-one with a low save from close range, then back pedalling to his goal-line to tip over a vicious Kyle Naughton drive destined for the net and finally to keep out a well directed Holt header low to his left. A Hoolahan shot from distance proved rather easier, but it showed a worrying stat that the visitors had now had five shots on target to Chelsea's two. They were more than holding their own having replaced Zak Whitbread with Anthony Pilkington and moved to a 4-4-2. There was respite for Chelsea five minutes before the break when Drogba was clumsily tripped by Crofts. The Ivorian brushed himself off to take the free-kick, shooting inches over the bar with Ruddy seemingly beaten. Then John Terry fouled Holt at the other end, allowing Bradley Johnson a venomous shot at goal which Hilario was grateful to see come straight at him. Florent Malouda fizzed a half-volley low into Ruddy's arms shortly afterwards, and that was the final event of a lively first half. SECOND HALF It was Chelsea who started on top once more, a John Terry header from a Malouda corner flicked over his own crossbar by a Norwich defender and then Ivanovic nodded another wide from a Lampard centre. They were chances Chelsea could rue, and sure enough we were punished just after the hour mark. Norwich had consistently been playing long balls towards the head of man-mountain Holt, and for the most part he had been well looked after by Terry and Ivanovic. On this occasion, a hopeful ball came into the area and both Hilario and Ivanovic went for the ball, leaving it to bounce nicely for Holt who could volley into an empty net over his shoulder. On the balance of play Norwich had deserved it, but in this second half it was the first time they had had the ball inside the Chelsea box. Moments later things got worse as Drogba collided with Ruddy and fell heavily to the ground, requiring lengthy treatment after a wince-inducing landing. The 33-year-old required a stretcher to leave the field. He could not continue and was replaced by Anelka. Malouda came off too, replaced by debutant Mata. Chelsea went 4-3-3 with the subs either side of Torres. Norwich could have gone in front soon afterwards when Morison broke clear into the area, but Terry recovered his ground well to block. At the other end Mata introduced himself with a neat sidestep and bending cross for Torres, the forward's header ending up in Ruddy's arms as time just began to tick away, as it was doing a week earlier against West Brom at this stage. Then Norwich won a corner, Chelsea hacked it clear and Anelka could break. It looked like he may have to go it alone but then from nowhere came Ramires on the blindside, galloping through and taking the pass in his stride. The Brazilian attempted to take the ball past the goalkeeper, succeeded, but was then brought down by Ruddy's flailing arms. Penalty. Red card said Mike Jones. Lampard stepped up in front of the Matthew Harding End, and hammered his spot kick straight down the middle and past substitute goalkeeper Declan Rudd. Villas-Boas brought on Lukaku for Torres as he looked to consolidate. It seems we have another Drogba on our hands, quick, strong and incredibly difficult to take the ball from. Just like West Brom a week ago, Norwich had a late chance to get back into it, a free-kick running all the way across the box to Morison, the forward mis-hitting his cross-cum-shot over the bar as Holt waited at the far post to tap home. Lukaku sent a glancing header wide before Ivanovic had a golden opportunity to wrap it up. Mata had sent Lampard away down the left and the midfielder crossed perfectly for the Serbian, only for him to somehow miss the target from mere feet away. Still, with an extra man and back in control, Chelsea looked to have the three points sewn up. Then came the signal for 11 added minutes, and a little more tension around a rainy Stamford Bridge. Norwich weren't threatening though, and with one minute left, Mata wrapped it up. Marc Tierney's ball inside from the left-back position was pounced upon by the little Spaniard, who took his time and slotted home into the bottom corner to secure a three points and a memorable cameo. It is international break time now, and the Blues return on September 10 with a trip to Sunderland. Chelsea (4-4-2 diamond): Hilario; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (c), Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Malouda (Mata 67), Lampard; Torres (Lukaku 82), Drogba (Anelka 70) Unused subs Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, McEachran Goals Bosingwa 5, Lampard (pen) 81, Mata 90+10 Booked Bosingwa 35, Torres 55 Norwich City (5-3-2):Ruddy; Naughton, De Laet, Barnett, Whitbread (Pilkington 29), Tierney; Crofts, Hoolahan (Morison 60), Johnson; Martin (Rudd 80), Holt (c) Unused subs Rudd, R Martin, Jackson, Fox, Bennett Goals Holt 62 Booked Crofts 40, Naughton 57 Sent off Ruddy 79 Attendance 41,765

JUAN MATA DEAL COMPLETED

2011-08-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Juan Mata completed his transfer from Valencia today, and will be available for Saturday's game against Norwich having already trained with the squad at Cobham. The left-winger, who can also operate centrally, signed a five-year contract and spoke exclusively with the official Chelsea website following his first training session. He becomes our fourth signing of the summer following Oriol Romeu and Romelu Lukaku's arrivals, as well as the capture of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who has joined Atletico Madrid on loan. 'Right from the first moment there have been good feelings all around me,' Mata said. 'Training has been great and the players are a great group to train with. 'Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here.' After four years at the Mestalla, in which he scored 43 times in 179 appearances, Mata spoke with Andre Villas-Boas and was convinced Stamford Bridge was the place for him despite interest from other clubs. 'He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that,' the player explained. 'Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season. 'The plan is that I can play on either flank or even in the middle playing in between the lines of midfield and attack. I like to keep the ball and use it well, I am an attacking player and above all I like to set up goals and score them also. 'I want to adapt as quickly as possible to my new surroundings, my colleagues and this league, and I would love to win a trophy in my first season. If it can be the Premier League then great.' Mata becomes the third Spaniard to join Chelsea in 2011, following international team-mate and fellow World Cup-winner Fernando Torres and Romeu, who arrived from Barcelona earlier this month. The newest recruit, who has 11 full international caps, also captained their Under 21s to glory in this summer's European Championship, admitted he had spoken to Torres prior to the move. 'Fernando got me excited about the thought of coming here,' Mata revealed. 'He said it would be good for me here and that me and him together could be good. I also talked to my family and friends about it as well.' Among those advisors was his father, also named Juan Mata, who played professionally in Spain for Burgos, where the younger was born, and Salamanca. 'This is obviously a big thing for me, to have a father who knows football, and he has always given me good advice and I never had a problem because he was there to help,' said the Real Madrid-trained man. 'Despite there being football in my family, I always wanted to have skills other than football so I studied while I was in Madrid. 'It wasn't easy but I wanted to do it, and I learned about marketing and sports science. Away from football I like normal things for someone of my age, the cinema, music, theatre and reading. I am looking forward to living in London and adapting to a new cosmopolitan city and getting to know that.' For the duration of the interview, Mata has been speaking in his native language, but listening and absorbing the questions put to him in English. To finish, he is asked when he expects to feel comfortable sharing the language of those around him, and the answer is a pleasant surprise. 'I hope as soon as possible!' he says, typically, in perfect English. It is an impressive start for the Spaniard off the pitch, now he will be wanting to catch the eye on it.

Villa Boas starts off with a controversial draw.. Stoke City 0-0 Chelsea

2011-08-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

It was perhaps not quite the start Andre Villas-Boas would have liked to his Chelsea managerial career but he would have to settle for a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested match with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. However this was largely in part to an inspirational performance from goalkeeper Asmir Begovic who kept the Potters in it with some fantastic saves thwarting the Blues three pronged attack – especially in the second half. Jonathan Woodgate, plagued by injuries over the last few years, made his debut in defence for the Potters and produced a solid display alongside Robert Huth at the back. Long throw-in specialist Rory Delap recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him out of Stoke’s Europa League tie against Hajduk Split and his arrowed balls in were cause for concern on numerous occasions. Perhaps a slight surprise for the Blues was the inclusion of Fernando Torres. The striker suffered concussion midweek after playing for Spain but Villas-Boas felt that the former Liverpool man was still capable of giving the hosts a torrid time. Ryan Shawcross was determined for that not to be the case but found himself needlessly lunging in on the striker, picking up a caution early in the match. The Potters made a strong start roared on by their excitable fans, but it was the visitors who forced the first save of any real note from an unlikely source in Jose Bosingwa. The Portuguese full-back bombed forward and unleashed a cross-come-shot which had Asmir Begovic scrambling to his near post to put the ball behind for a corner, which came to nothing. Torres who looked lively in the opening period was next to try his luck but he dragged his 20 yard shot wide of the target. The Potters bombarded the Chelsea defence with an assault of long throws and high balls into the box typifying their sometimes unattractive but effective style of play, however the opening 30 minutes had elapsed without either side breaking the deadlock. Ramires sought to change that with a fine run that deserved better than the final outcome allowed. The Chelsea midfielder drove at the host’s defence finding a rare chink in the Potters rearguard, before squaring the ball across goal but no-one was there to take advantage of the chance. Stalemate | Etherington and Malouda battle it out in goalless draw in the Potteries Stoke were next to threaten and had appeals for a penalty waved away by Mark Halsey as Jonathan Walters looked to bring the ball down in the box, but it appeared to hit Blues defender Terry on the right shoulder before he cleared the danger, leaving the striker perplexed. Delap then floated a delightful ball to the back post as the hosts piled on the pressure but Alex nodded the ball behind to safety - feeling the presence of Kenwyne Jones lurking behind him – which ensured that the score would remain goalless at half-time. Play resumed and it was not long before Ashley Cole produced a scorpion kick to beat Jones to the ball with the type of imagination and flair that Chelsea’s performance had so far lacked. But that was all about to change as the visitors then had two penalty claims in quick succession turned down. Firstly Torres went down under the challenge of Woodgate and then Frank Lampard went surging into the box and fell rather easily to the ground although there looked to be only slight contact. Jon Obi Mikel nearly silenced the home fans with a stunning volley from 30 yards out but Begovic reacted brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar. Malouda stung the palms of the Potter’s keeper moments later as the Blues started to find their rhythm. The home side responded well and another arrowed throw-in from Delap caused panic and confusion in the box with Cech caught underneath the ball under pressure, but the ball would not fall kindly for Walters and the Blues survived. Nicolas Anelka was brought on for the ineffectual Malouda midway through the second half as Andre Villas-Boas sought more attacking impetus upfront and the Frenchman nearly provided the opener with an exquisite chip from the angle of the box but Begovic tipped it onto the bar. Torres then produced a great cross to pick out Kalou but the Ivorian could only direct his header straight at the goalkeeper adding to his manager’s frustration and signalling the end of his day as he was replaced by Didier Drogba. The Blues continued to pile on the pressure but the Potters defence stood firm and held on to the final whistle on a day of frustration for the Stamford Bridge club

Chelsea reach an Agreement over LUKAKU

2011-08-07T09:18:00.001-07:00

An agreement has been reached with Anderlecht for the transfer to Chelsea of striker Romelu Lukaku.
The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Speaking after the win against Rangers, Andre Villas-Boas said:
'He [Lukaku] is a very interesting young prospect and we have to be able to position ourselves to be able to get this kind of talent.'
The son of a former Belgian professional, Roger, 18-year-old Lukaku was born in Antwerp in May 1993, and joined the Lierse academy as a 10-year-old, scoring more than a goal a game in their youth team before being signed by Anderlecht at 13.
He signed a professional contract with the Constant Vanden Stock side on his 16th birthday, and wasted no time in making an impression on the first team, making his debut shortly afterwards and contributing 15 league goals in the title-winning 2009/10 season while still only 16.
Standing 6ft 4ins, Lukaku is a powerful presence with a dangerous left foot, and helped himself to 16 league goals last term, while also scoring his first international goals for Belgium. He has 10 senior caps.

ZHIRKOV LEAVES CHELSEA FOR Anzhi Makhachkala

2011-08-07T09:17:00.001-07:00

Zirkov has left Chelsea, returning to his homeland to sign for Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The move brings to an end a two-year stay. Chelsea Football Club thanks the player for his contribution during that time.

Zhirkov joined Chelsea in July 2009, moving from CSKA Moscow.

A knee injury prevented his debut until late September when the Russian international played 60 minutes in a 1-0 win over QPR in the Carling Cup.

Injury to Ashley Cole and the good form of other attacking players meant he was seen more often at left-back in his first season than the more forward left-wing role he could also take on.

The player himself admitted there was a struggle as he adapted to a new country and a new club, and a season out of sync in the calendar with the one he was playing before.

However he impressed in games as 2010 began, creating goals and figuring regularly when others were at the African Cup of Nations, but he was unfortunate to suffer an injury of his own soon after Cole was ruled out for two months.

Zhirkov returned for a highlight of his Chelsea career when Aston Villa were hosted at the Bridge in March 2010.

Given free rein to attack, Zhirkov was twice brought down for penalties and supplied a pinpoint cross for Florent Malouda to volley home the goal of the game. Chelsea won 7-1.

Cole's return to fitness in late April meant Zhirkov featured less in the run-in to the League and FA Cup double triumph, and he was again only a periphery figure as 2010/11 began.

Playing in central midfield, he did grab a first Chelsea goal in his homeland, crashing in an unstoppable 25-yard half-volley against Spartak Moscow in October. That began a run of seven starts in a row but he lost his place after a heavy 3-0 home defeat against Sunderland.

It was nearly four months before he began a game again as an injury took a long time to heal and his last start came in the home Champions League defeat by Manchester United.

In total Zhirkov made 32 starts and 17 substitute appearances.
Andre Villas-Boas after the Rangers game said: 'In the end it was moistly his [Zhirkov's] decision. It was a great financial offer for him, it is a return home for him.'

RANGERS 1 CHELSEA 3

2011-08-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

Summary
Super-sharp finishing by Daniel Sturridge kept the 100 per cent pre-season record going as the team maintained their composure despite conceding for the first time this summer. The England Under 21 international netted twice in the first half with Florent Malouda scoring in the second. Frank Lampard was denied from the penalty spot.
Andre Villas-Boas's men dominated against a team four games into their competitive season and the back line in particular was well-organised. The game drew a bumper crowd of over 47,000 fans, the home support seeing their own side contribute to their goals conceded. Chelsea look ready for Stoke next weekend.
Best moment
Sturridge's first goal was the mark of a predator but his second topped it as he had plenty to think about before smashing in. It is a shame he must serve a suspension when the season kicks off.

Team news
Ramires who returned to training this week went straight into the team. Frank Lampard moved to his more usual left-side berth with the Brazilian back. Alex started his first game of pre season alongside John Terry. Up front, Torres started with Kalou and Sturridge out wide. Changes were made before and during the second half.

Rangers picked their first-choice attack but did include at the back some less-used players this season.
First half
There was a suspicion of a Rangers foul in their area early on when Wallace had his hands on Kalou but Chelsea were awarded a free-kick much further back on five minutes which Alex smacked well off target.
A minute later Chelsea conceded the first goal of the summer preparations, caught by a smart Rangers counter attack. The diminutive Davies was played into space on the right and crossed to the far post where centre-forward Jelavic was unmarked to head past a helpless Cech.
As Chelsea looked for a quick response, Torres was released into the area by a long ball and looked to have a good shout for a shove in the back as he tumbled before shooting.

A good passage of Chelsea play followed, but being camped in the Rangers half couldn't be turned into much ball inside their penalty area.
The pressure did pay off however when after 21 minutes, Torres and Lampard forced a defensive mistake and a loose ball across the six-yard box. Sturridge pounced and smashed it high into the net. Rangers fans had been welcoming to Chelsea in general but they didn't like that one, Sturridge having previous been involved in a row with their left-midfielder Ortiz having been kicked in a foul.
McGregor in the Rangers goal had not been tested before the equaliser but now Torres warmed his hands with a shot.
Cech had to be quick to the ball to stop Naismith snapping up a chance from a set-piece delivery into the area but on 29 minutes the visitors took the lead. Again the home team defence was complicit, left-back Wallace caught with the ball out wide by Sturridge who then showed a great killer touch to advance on goal and give McGregor no chance. It was 2-1 Chelsea.

McGregor did well to keep out Kalou after Torres had penetrated the 'Gers defence with a skilful run and Sturridge could have completed a first-half hat-trick had his second touch on a Ferreira pass not been too strong.
It was all going well leading up to the break, but unfortunately the good mood was spoiled when Mikel was forced off on 43 minutes, clearly in some pain due to an ankle injury. McEachran came on.

Second half
There were two more changes before therestart, Drogba for Torres and Bosingwa for Ferreira.
One of Rangers subs, David Healy was denied a clear run at the Chelsea goal by an offside flag and for a while the Glasgow club were looking a match for the Premier League side. Terry made sure he dominated in the air but when one ball dropped kindly for the home side, Ortiz volleyed wide.
Just before the hour, France pair Anelka and Malouda were added to the mix, and Anelka's first job was to cross after good approach work from McEachran but he couldn't hit a target.
Rangers, as throughout the game were getting the ball forward quickly but they were up against a smooth-operating offside trap.
Drogba began to make his considerable presence felt. He fired a 66th minute rocket just inches wide and five minutes later was given the time and space inside the area he can only dream of having when the campaign kicks off next week. He used it to tee up a header for Malouda who obliged by nodding in from close range.

A minute later the Ivorian surged into the area and was tripped by the foot of Broadfoot, the ref giving the penalty after looking at his linesman. Lampard was prevented from making it 4-1 when he shot too close to McGregor who saved on the deck.
The keeper also stopped a tame shot when Anelka should have done better and he pouched when Drogba headed on target.
Before the end there was some work for Cech, who was pleased to see a Healy's well-struck effort fly straight into his hands.
The Chelsea team were given a big ovation by the home support on leaving the pitch.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira (Bosingwa h-t), Alex (Kalas 86), Terry (c), Cole; Ramires (Benayoun 71), Mikel (McEachran 43), Lampard (Chalobah 85); Kalou (Malouda 59), Torres (Drogba h-t), Sturridge (Anelka 59).
Unused sub Turnbull.
Goals Sturridge 21, 29, Malouda 71.
Rangers (4-4-1-1): McGregor; McMillan, Bartley (Perry h-t), Broadfoot, Wallace; Davis (c) (Bendiksen 62), Hutton, Edu (Fleck h-t), Ortiz (Kerkar 82); Naismith (Ness 62); Jelavic (Healy h-t).
Subs Alexander, Little, Hemmings, Beattie.
Goal Jelavic 6.
Referee Craig Thomson
Crowd 47,379.

ORIOL ROMEU DEAL COMPLETED

2011-08-04T04:31:00.001-07:00

Chelsea Football Club delightedly announced the signing of Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona on a four-year-contract.
The 19-year-old will join us once his duties with Spain's U20 World Cup squad in Colombia are complete. Midfielder Romeu has so far played 90 minutes in each of Spain's two matches, a 4-1 win over Costa Rica and a 2-0 win against Ecuador.
Romeu began with Barcelona's smaller neighbours Espanyol before joining the famous Camp Nou academy in 2004, progressing through the ranks until a reserve team regular playing in Spain's second tier under Luis Enrique.

He made his La Liga debut for the senior Barça side at the end of last season, coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, having also appeared at the beginning of the campaign in a Spanish Supercup loss away at Sevilla.

The 6ft Catalan can also play in central defence and is renowned for his strength and his expansive passing ability.
While in Bangkok, Andre Villas-Boas announced the club had agreed terms with Barcelona for the player's transfer.

CHELSEA 4 KITCHEE 0

2011-07-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Summary Chelsea will play Aston Villa in Saturday's final of the Barclays Asia Trophy. Frank Lampard opened the scoring for the second game in a row, this time from the penalty spot. Chelsea should have been awarded another spot kick in the first half but were handed a second goal shortly after the interval, 'own-goal' continuing as the pre-season top scorer having now contributed three times.
Didier Drogba headed in a third goal and Daniel Sturridge struck a peach to equal the scoring of the previous game. Unlike in Bangkok, none of the Chelsea keepers fielded had a save to make. Salomon Kalou and Fernando Torres both hit woodwork.
It was a very comfortable win against the Hong Kong league champions. The team chosen by Andre Villas-Boas showed the preparations are still very much about equal minutes of playing time for most in the squad.
Best moment
Yossi Benayoun's craft that had two defenders chasing his shadow, one of them fouling inside the area to set Chelsea on our way in this game. The Israel captain is enjoying an influential pre-season.

Team news
The majority of the side was the one that played the last half hour of the previous game in Thailand. Ross Turnbull, not involved that day, started. John Terry and Lampard, who did begin the game in Bangkok were also in the initial 11. The formation was a new one for pre-season starting line up, a 4-2-3-1 with Lampard and Yury Zhirkov deeper but pushing forward in turn. Most of the substitutions took place around the hour mark.
Spanish-coached Kitchee had five Spaniards in their side, three in defence, but their Hong Kong internationals were limited to short spells because of imminent duty for that team.
First half
Kitchee were fairly lively in the early minutes although the first shot was by Zhirkov, volleying wide with a difficult chance. Lampard had a ninth-minute dig towards the same bottom corner he found in the previous match but the keeper got down to save two-handed.
Chelsea, wearing the new black and blue away kit for the first time, began to take control. Lampard, ignoring the obvious pass, spotted Malouda unmarked but he too volleyed wide.
On 16 minutes came a genuine chance. Drogba initially didn't gather Benayoun's pass out wide but when he caught up, the Ivorian struck a peach of a cross to his compatriot. Kalou's header was firm enough but it bounced off the turf and up onto the crossbar. Unlucky.
Kitchee keeper Wang Zhenpeng was in turn lucky to get away with a scuffed kick a few minutes later.
Drogba was enjoying himself when moving out of the centre towards the right. He turned the Kitchee defence inside out before laying inside a pass for Lampard to shoot, a pink-shirted defender blocking.
On 34 minutes the penalty was won and it was all of Benayoun's making. Turning beautifully inside one defender with his first touch on a Ferreira pass, the Israeli who was playing in the middle behind Drogba, was tripped as he went by a second Kitchee player.
Lampard's penalty strike was low and down the middle, his second goal of the pre-season programme.

Drogba could have added a second very soon after but headed across the goal instead of at it, and he was certainly on target on 41 minutes with a 30-yard free-kick that the keeper made a meal of keeping out, but did.
There was a rare attack from the Hong Kong champions a minute later but Huang Yang's ambitious lob was too high to force the backpeddling Turnbull to save.
Chelsea were soon up the other end and Malouda chased a seemingly lost cause and took the ball past the keeper, only for a defender to clear off the line with what looked suspiciously like his elbow.
Second half
Drogba struck a 49th minute free kick onto the roof of the net and moments later played a big part in Chelsea's second, frightening Kitchee captain Ubay Luzardo into shinning Malouda's cross into his own net by breathing down his neck.
Goal number three was the Drogba-Malouda combination without the aid of any Kitchee player. The Frenchman volleyed a cross that was deflected on its way with the Ivorian, bravely, putting his head in where a defender's boot was to score from close range (pictured top).
Torres, Sturridge and McEachran were all introduced immediately; Ivanovic, Mikel and Hilario following them on soon after.
Ferreira, playing the full 90 minutes, delivered several good balls into the area and would have been hoping to see a low one into the six-yard box turned into the net but Torres hadn't reacted quickly enough.
Sharp however was the word to describe Sturridge's goal, when he took the ball with back to net out on the right and swivelled past one defender before pushing it wide of another, angling a drive past the keeper.

It took a fair save to prevent Kalou adding his name to the scorers, and Torres, like Sturridge before him, hit a free-kick too high.
Then, on the stroke of 90 minutes, Torres hit his best shot of the pre-season but could only watch from 30 yards out as it beat the keeper but not the post.
Aston Villa beat Blackburn 1-0 in the earlier game, Darren Bent the scorer. Chelsea continue to improve and this excellent stadium in Hong Kong will enjoy the final in three days' time.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Turnbull (Hilario 63); Ferreira, Rajkovic (Chalobah 76), Terry (c) (Ivanovic 63), Cole; Lampard (Mikel 63), Zhirkov (McEachran 61); Kalou, Benayoun, Malouda (Sturridge 61); Drogba (Torres 61).
Unused subs Bosingwa, Van Aanholt, Anelka.
Goals Lampard pen 35, Ubay Luzardo o.g 53, Drogba 59, Sturridge 75.
Kitchee (4-5-1): Wang Zhenpang; Dani Guerrero, Fernando Recio, Ubay Luzardo (c), Dani Cancela; Jordi Tarrés (Lo Chi Kwan 21) (Ngan Lok Fung 78), Huang Yang (Lo Kwan Yee 72), Gao Wen (Dean Evans 53), Tsang Kam To (Liu Quankun 85), Liang Zicheng (Chu Siu Kei 58), Roberto Losada (James Ha 82).
Unused subs Lam Ka Wai, Tsang Chi Hau, Chan Man Fai, Chan Ho Fung, Tsang Kin Fong, Leung Ka Hei Robson Augusto, Su Yang.
Referee Mike Dean
Crowd 33,967.

Thailand All-Stars 0-4 Chelsea

2011-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Having recorded an unconvincing victory over Malaysia XI last time out, Andre Villas-Boas' Chelsea side looked to hammer home their dominance in Bangkok, with a 4-0 victory over the Thailand All-Stars XI.

Goals from Frank Lampard and second half strikes from Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic and Florent Malouda sealed a comfortable victory for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The first half kicked off in sweltering conditions in Thailand’s capital, and Chelsea dominated the early exchanges. In the opening 10 minutes, John Obi Mikel went close from a testing cross, while Bosingwa had a shot well saved by Thai keeper, Pattarakorn Tanganurat.

At the other end, fit-again Petr Cech did well on the rare occasions he was tested, but the visitors soon began to dominate possession and the chances.

Their dominance saw Nicolas Anelka unleash two efforts on goal, both of which were subsequently blocked by the All-Stars. Moments later, the heavily marked Fernando Torres went down under a strong challenge in the penalty area, but the referee waved away Chelsea's penalty protests.

In the 24th minute, captain John Terry had a goal ruled out for offside as Villas-Boas men appeared to go up another gear, and it would only take another 13 minutes for them to find their breakthrough, with Lampard firing home from the edge of the area.

Having made 11 changes against Malaysia XI at the interval, Villas-Boas was content with just one in Bangkok, with Cech being replaced by Hilario, as a tepid performance from Fernando Torres was prolonged into the second 45.

And it wasn't long before the Stamford Bridge side accelerated into a three-goal lead, with a quickfire double within seven minutes of the restart.

Bosingwa, having been denied in the first half, saw his luck change as his 30-yard effort was diverted off the post after a lapse in concentration from the All-Stars' keeper. With the 52nd came Chelsea's third, as a deft exchange of passing between Josh McEachran and Ivanovic saw the Serbian apply the finish.

Nevertheless, Hilario was called into action soon after, as the Portuguese shot stopper showed no signs of pre-season rustiness to deny Chaiman a consolation.

And that flourish from the hosts seemed to spark Chelsea into life. First, Villas-Boas made sweeping changes to refresh the side, with goalscorer Ivanovic one of several players making way, before Chelsea added their fourth.

Mikel, impressing in the middle of the park, found substitute Malouda's darting run with his crosshairs, and the Nigerian's inch-perfect pass allowed the winger to rifle home on 72 minutes.

And Chelsea went close to adding a fifth, when Drogba latched onto a Paulo Ferreira free kick, but was unable to keep his header down, as it drifted over the crossbar.

Starting XI

Chelsea XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Van Aanholt; McEachran, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Torres, Sturridge.

Thailand All-Stars XI: Tanganurat; Iamwiroj, Dos Santos, Florent, Prakopkong; Siaka, Chaiman, Khonchan; Acheampong, Onmo, Kumbe.

VILLAS-BOAS: WHY I WANT ORIOL ROMEU

2011-07-23T02:45:00.001-07:00

Andre Villas, speaking in Bangkok, has announced that Chelsea has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder.
The player has yet to agree personal terms or pass a medical and is currently away with the Spain Under 20 squad which is soon to compete in the World Cup for that age level in Columbia.
'I don't want to speak too much about him because he is not our player,' Villas-Boas added.
'It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.
'The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical.'
Oriol began with Barcelona's smaller neighbours Espanyol before joining the famous Camp Nou academy in 2004, progressing through the ranks until a reserve team regular playing in Spain's second tier under Luis Enrique.

He made his La Liga debut for the senior Barça side at the end of last season, coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, having also appeared at the beginning of the campaign in a Spanish Supercup loss away at Sevilla.

The 6ft Catalan can also play in central defence and is renowned for his strength and his expansive passing ability.
Villas-Boas also had news on Thibaut Courtois, the 19-year-old goalkeeper who is on the verge of finalising a move from Belgium and is subject to news reports that he is to be loaned out to Atletico Madrid.
'It is also a question of time and of deciding where we think it is better for him to evolve as a player, in Spain or in another country,' the manager reported.
'The Spanish League is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future.
'It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties.'

Chelsea 3-0 Wycombe Videos

2011-07-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/5m-iF1-G7es