Chelsea seals Alves deal; Robben move to follow

Sevilla's prized asset Daniel Alves is on the way to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's top brass met with their Sevilla counterparts in a Madrid hotel this evening. They settled on an initial fee of 32 million euros, with 4 more to follow based on various performance related clauses.

As Real Madrid stepped away from the Brazilian, Chelsea will open the door for out-of-favour winger Arjen Robben.

It's just another day in the European transfer market...

lves To Chelsea

Chelsea have agreed a fee for Sevilla's attack-minded right-back Daniel Alves.

The roving defender shot to fame over the last two years after a series of powerful performances for the Andalucian side, helping them on their way to two successive UEFA Cups, a Spanish Cup, and a third placed finish in La Liga.

Since signing from Bahia in 2002, the player has slowly but steadily grown in stature, but last season was to be his annus mirabilis and one that ensured the top-tier clubs just could not stay away.

Sevilla were unable to hold onto their prized asset: the player had all but refused to compete in the Champions League qualifiers this week so as not to jeopardise his chances of playing in the prestigious competition for Chelsea.

He had previously spoken out publicly of his desire to play for the London club in a move that will give him a chance to play in the Premiership - perhaps suiting his swift, powerful style - and, of course, receive a hefty pay raise courtesy of Mr. Abramovich.

And it seems that he has tonight got his wish after a Chelsea delegation, including general manager Peter Kenyon, agreed a fee of around 32 million euros with the Andalucian club.

The Blues could yet be liable for 4 million more: rumour has it that there are a raft of extras tacked on to the offer, including international appearance fees.

Robben To Madrid

And this move is not all. It could set into motion a three-pointed transfer switch involving Chelsea, Sevilla and Real Madrid.

After spending around £25m on Alves, Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich may wish to recoup some of his investment by selling off unwanted assets - such as Arjen Robben. Florent Malouda's superb form as well as ability to fit easily into Mourinho's 4-4-2 has deemed him surplus to needs.

The Dutch winger has fallen from grace at Stamford Bridge and, with Real Madrid standing by with an offer of around 30-35 million euros, now is the time for Chelsea to sell.

Both sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic and president Ramon Calderon comprise a Robben fan club at the Bernabeu. Indications are that a revised bid from Madrid identical to Chelsea's for Alves, will be accepted.

A previous attempt, reportedly including a joint bid for superstar central midfielder Michael Ballack, fizzled out amidst massive differences in valuation.

Cicinho

Finally, if Real Madrid get Robben, they in turn will look to sell off an unsettled player of their own - which brings us back to Sevilla. With Dani Alves out of the picture, coach Juande Ramos is eagerly seeking another right-back, and not just as cover.

The likes of Andreas Hinkel can already fill that position, as can Boulahrouz - ex-Chelsea, of course - and perhaps, at a push, Aquivaldo Mosquera, although the latter is really a centre-back.

All are considered either stopgap solutions, or better elsewhere. So, clearly a first choice right back is on the agenda and, in Real Madrid, Cicinho have a great candidate.

The Brazilian is out of favour at the Bernabeu, having started just five games last season and, with the Madrid hierarchy none too bothered about the player's future, he may be available at a discount.

Certainly, any fee paid for would pale in comparison to that received for Alves. Nonetheless, the loss of the man who played almost 200 games for the Andalucian side cannot only be measured in euros. His absence will be keenly felt on the right flank, where he was so instrumental to Sevilla's recent successes.

But such is football. Money talks.

Cicinho, however, is currently closer to a move to Roma, so it is very much possible that Sevilla will just have to be happy with the big bag of cash. That's a difficult thing to be unhappy with!