18-07-2007, 09:31 AM
the independent Wrote:Robben on way to Real as Chelsea agree ã7m Drenthe deal
By Jason Burt
Published: 18 July 2007
Arjen Robben is due to leave Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States tomorrow and fly to Spain to join Real Madrid - while the Premiership club yesterday agreed a fee of ââ¬10m (ã6.76m) to sign the exciting Dutch Under-21 international Royston Drenthe from Feyenoord.
Although personal terms have been finalised on a six-year contract, a fee is still to be agreed over the sale of Robben. But a source close to the deal said last night that the difference was now "not so much as to stop the move happening".
Real have offered ââ¬19m (ã12.8m) while Chelsea are hoping to secure ââ¬22m for the 23-year-old, who has made clear that he wants to quit Stamford Bridge having, with two years left on his present contract, refused to sign a new five-year deal. Robben has endured a difficult relationship with the Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, especially over his injury record, and has made no secret of his desire to play for Real.
Publicly, Chelsea have stated they want Robben to stay and there are those among the hierarchy, especially Frank Arnesen, the chief scout, who have argued against the transfer, but negotiations have continued with Real.
The signing of left-winger Florent Malouda made it clear that Robben, who has sought assurances that he would be a first-team regular, could go. Drenthe is not a replacement for Robben, although the 20-year-old has successfully moved forward from left-back to left midfield in the past year.
The powerful, quick Drenthe was a star of the Netherlands' successful Under-21 European Championship campaign, which alerted several Premiership clubs. Real also expressed an interest but it is Chelsea who have made the decisive move. Feyenoord want Drenthe to stay with them for one more season and, although this is still to be agreed with Chelsea, it appears that the Premiership club may say yes. Personal terms have also to be negotiated with Drenthe.
Robben is expected to undergo a medical and be presented as a Real player by the weekend. The Spanish champions are more determined to land Robben having failed in their attempts to sign Kaka or Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea are considering using the money they receive from the sale to fund a move for Seville right-back Daniel Alves. The Brazilian has been a long-term target and Chelsea hope to tempt Seville into agreeing a deal with a ââ¬20m bid.
Intriguingly, it appears that Chelsea's owner, Roman Abramovich, has told executives that they must generate money if they want to go for the 25-year-old defender who has made plain that he wants to move.
At the same time another Brazilian, Alex, has told friends he does not want to move to Chelsea after all. It is understood that the PSV Eindhoven central defender has misgivings as to how many games he will play next season.
He is available to Chelsea for just $1 because Abramovich funded his move to the Netherlands in the first place. Mourinho made clear in January that he did not rate the player and, following the signing of Tal Ben Haim, and with John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as his first choice, Alex's opportunities may be limited. Nevertheless, Chelsea will push ahead with the deal and expect Alex to sign once a work permit is granted.
10 mio en een jaar huren. ik ben er nog niet uit of ik daar blij mee moet zijn.