Chelsea swoop for Diarra
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Article summary
Chelsea FC have signed promising French Under-21 midfielder Lassana Diarra from Le Havre AC.
Article body
Chelsea FC have made their second signing of the summer, bringing in French midfield prospect Lassana Diarra from Le Havre AC for an estimated €4.5m.
Toulon star
The 20-year-old, who can also play in defence, has joins the Premiership champions after impressing at this summer's U20 tournament in Toulon. Diarra was one of the hosts' star players, excelling as they swept to the trophy, beating Portugal 4-1 in the final. The win capped a fine individual season for the youngster that also saw him make 25 appearances as Le Havre won promotion to Ligue 1.
'Next Makelele'
Diarra's performances impressed José Mourinho who offered him a brief trial and then swiftly moved to make the Paris-born player, dubbed the 'next Claude Makelele' his second signing of the summer following the €12m capture of Asier Del Horno. A Le Havre spokesman said: "We are very proud to see one of our youngsters, developed in the bosom of our club, join one of the biggest sides in the world."
