Mutu makes it seven
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Article summary
Romanian international Adrian Mutu has agreed to join Chelsea FC in a €22.4m deal from Parma AC.
Article body
Personal terms agreed
Mutu, who scored 18 goals in Serie A last season, helping earn Parma a UEFA Cup place, has accepted personal terms with the London club and his transfer is now subject only to a work permit.
Spending tops €105m
His arrival takes spending at Chelsea since the club's purchase last month by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich to more than €105m, with Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge, Damien Duff, Geremi, Joe Cole and Juan Sebastián Verón having previously been bought.
Fitness training
He will not be eligible for Wednesday's Champions League third qualifying round, first-leg tie against MŠK Žilina in Slovakia, but he could be fit, if available, for Sunday's English Premiership opener against Liverpool FC.
Work permit hope
Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch said on the club's official website: "A work permit for a player of his pedigree should not take too long and I would not be surprised if he is available to face Liverpool on Sunday."
