Blues confirm Bosingwa deal
by Tom Adams, 12 May 2008
Chelsea have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sign Porto right back Jose Bosingwa.
The player has now arrived in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical ahead of a proposed €20.5 million (£16.2 million) move.
Upon the completion of his transfer, the Portugal international will join his colleagues Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho at a club that is looking forward to a Champions League final after losing out on the Premier League title on the final day of the season.
Bosingwa has emerged as one of the most exciting full backs in Europe in recent seasons and will depart Porto having helped Jesualdo Ferreira’s side to a fourth title in five seasons during his time at the club.
Chelsea confirmed the news via a statement on their official website: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa.
"The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical."
Bosingwa’s arrival is likely to call into question Juliano Belletti’s future at the club as the Brazilian only arrived last summer as the latest potential solution to a position that has troubled Chelsea in recent seasons.
The signing represents the third high-profile capture since Avram Grant’s arrival as manager, joining Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic, but it is unlikely that the full back will be the last of Chelsea’s market moves this summer.
Both Manchester United and Aston Villa had also been linked with a player who has caught the eye with his regular raids down the right wing for Porto.