Lyon winger Florent Malouda is on his way to Chelsea in a €20million (£13.5million) deal, with the two clubs having now come to an agreement over the fee.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed on Sunday that an accord for the France international had been struck, and Chelsea have now confirmed to Sky Sports News that a deal has been done with the French champions.
In what has been a protracted transfer, Lyon have stood firm over what they feel is a fair price for a player who has been integral to their dominance of French football.
While Chelsea's rivals have spent big in the close-season, Jose Mourinho has thus far been prudent in the transfer market, largely relying on free transfers as he looks to bulk a squad that is already one of the strongest in Europe.
They have now made a significant move of their own, with the signing of Malouda set to be sealed on Monday subject to a medical.
"The transfer was concluded for a sum of €20million. It was a good transaction," Aulas told The Associated Press after a Lyon friendly at Albertville, France.
The length of the deal was not disclosed but it is hoped that all formalities will be concluded in time for Malouda to travel with his new team-mates on Monday, for a pre-season tour of United States.
"The London club is completely in agreement with the amount we're looking for. I'm waiting for a confirmation email from Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon," Aulas added on Lyon's television channel OLTV.
"It's fantastic and great news for Florent. I've just phoned him and he's going to be able to leave tonight to undergo a medical in London on Monday."
Meanwhile, Michael Ballack will not be with the squad for the first week of the America tour, as he steps-up his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.
"A decision will be taken later, depending on progress, about whether he will join the squad for the latter part of the tour," read a club statement.
Source : www.skysports.com
By Alex Dunn - Created on 8 Jul 2007
