In the most exciting development so far this summer - it looks like Chelsea are finally going to get their man with Andriy Shevchenko and AC Milan both announcing his imminent departure to Chelsea.


However it looks like the negotiations over price could drag on for the whole summer - just like the Essien debacle last year where Lyon wanted ₤34m but eventually settled for ₤25m. I have a feeling the numbers could be a little more frightening this time - with reports indicating Milan turned down a bid of ₤50m last year from Chelsea.


He is so adored in The Ukraine (adding another team for Chelsea supporters to follow in the World Cup) that his image is on a recent issue of postage stamps. Do not be suprised if he adorns the Number 23 shirt for Chelsea as he is a great admirer of Michael Jordan the American Basketball legend - so much so, in fact that Sheva's son was named Jordan. So just like David Beckham at Real Madrid he may well lay claim to the number 23.


See a You Tube Video of Shevchenko in action by clicking here


It would seem that Salomon Kalou (Forward, 20 yrs old) of PSV Eindhoven (15 goals in 35 matches)and the Ivory Coast could well be on his way to Chelsea and according to press reports.
John Mikel Obi (Midfield, 20 yrs old) of Lyn Oslo and Nigeria could also be freed up to join Chelsea.

Roberto Carlos has also stated that he has been offered a three year deal by Chelsea but is waiting to see if Real Madrid will offer an extended contract.
Carlos Tavez (Forward, 19 years old) of Corinthians and Argentina has also claimed that Chelsea have made an offer for him.

Follow up:

Who is on the way out?


There are many names being touted as on their way out with Glen Johnson, Maniche, Eidur Gudhonson, Robert Huth, Lenny Pidgely and Carlton Cole being specifically named by Jose Mourinho as players surplus to requirements. Then there are three players William Gallas, Didier Drogba and Hernan Crespo who seem to have some desire to play elsewhere but are not being encouraged to leave.


Out of the players touted to leave I will miss the big Icelander Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has played more than 250 games for Chelsea in the past six years - but restricted to only 25 starts last season and with the arrival of Ballack would play even less next season. He has given great sevice and will be sorely missed.
He leaves with two Premiership winners medals, a Carling Cup winners medal and two Charity Sheild winners medals.


According to the daily rags, Chelsea have accepted bids of ₤2m for Carton Cole from Spurs and ₤5.5m from Wigan for Robert Huth (but he wants to play for a more glamourous team), and while Gudjohnsen wants to go to Barcelona, he is more likely to end up with Newcastle or Valencia.


At left back Wayne Bridge did the right thing to join Fulham on loan after his injury and Chelsea have turned down bids from Fulham and he is deemed to have a future at the Bridge. Del Horno has expressed his desire to stay at Chelsea - he started well at the beginning of the season but noteably his sending off for a desperate lunge (but no contact) on Messi (who subsequently squirmed on the floor in an academy award performance) saw him relegated to the bench for most of the rest of the season. If Roberto Carlos does join Chelsea expect to see Del Horno on his way back to Spain.


A Lot to Look Forward to

With the transfer of Sheva now a matter of dollars and sense, and Ballack already at the Bridge - the Chelsea team is already looking pretty awesome for next season - sorry Liverpool, it looks like the 20 points you gained on Chelsea last season is going to go backwards again.


Come on ye Blues!