Chelsea agree Diarra deal
by Adam Marshall - created on 15 Jul 2005
SKY BET - PREMIERSHIP
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Le Havre for midfield prospect Lassana Diarra.
The 20-year-old is to clinch a dream switch to Stamford Bridge and become the second of Jose Mourinho's summer buys.
Le Havre were at pains to point out that Chelsea acted very professionally throughout the negotiations and they are pleased that Diarra is joining the Premiership champions as it represents such a great opportunity for the player.
Diarra played for France in the summer Under-20 tournament against England in Toulon and talks have been continuing for some time between the two clubs.
The Paris-born youngster can also play in defence and has previously attracted interest from Nantes.
No transfer fee has yet been disclosed but it is claimed that Mourinho was personally impressed with the Le Havre starlet and moved to add him to his squad ahead of the new season, when Chelsea will defend the Premiership title.
Even though Diarra has been playing at Ligue 2 level, he is highly regarded within France and is viewed as the next Claude Makelele.
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