Fernando Morientes to "Chelsea"? [Updated]

2004-05-20 22:07 © EuroFootball.com

The Spanish striker Fernando Morientes is ready to move to . This was announced today by the French sports daily "L'Equipe". The top scorer in this season's Champions League is on loan from Madrid.

F. Morientes said today that he is close to signing a contract with an unnamed club. The newspaper believes it could be "Chelsea".

Just yesterday the player was linked with the English Premier League champions.

"We are getting closer to a decision and we can say that we have almost reached it," Morientes said. "I would like to make the move, but it could take some time. Then I will return to Madrid once this season is over."

According to "L'Equipe", "Chelsea" is offering the player a five-year contract, and "Real" should receive around 12 million pounds for him.

This season Morientes scored 11 goals in the Champions League and led "Monaco" to the final. There was a threat that he would miss the final due to injury, but now he has recovered and should play.

[Update]

The battle for this Spaniard continues. It has been reported to the media that "Arsenal" has offered 24 million euros for F. Morientes. The English club promises to pay the player around 3 million euros per season.