Malouda In, Alex In | Robben Staying put.

[yogic]

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is hopeful of concluding a deal for Florent Malouda, while also confirming Alex is set to join The Blues.

Lyon's want-away winger Malouda looks likely to be the latest new arrival at Stamford Bridge with Kenyon confident of sealing a deal for the France international before next week.

Chelsea have been locked in talks with the French champions, who want ?20million (?13.5million) for the 27-year-old, over Malouda's transfer and are now close to reaching an accord

Jose Mourinho's squad jet off for their pre-season tour of the United States next week, and they will be joined by Malouda on the trip if Kenyon gets his wish.

"We've been in dialogue with Lyon and I think we're looking to complete that," Kenyon said on Sky Sports News.

"It would be nice to complete that ahead of us going to LA. I'm very optimistic that he'll be joining us at some point out there."

However, Malouda's signing does not signal the end of Arjen Robben's Chelsea career, according to Kenyon, despite Real Madrid being keen on the Dutchman.

"You shouldn't read anything into that. He's (Malouda) a different type of player," said Kenyon.

Kenyon also revealed that Brazilian defender Alex is set to complete his permanent move to Chelsea after spending three years on loan at PSV Eindhoven while waiting for a work permit.

Chelsea struggled with injuries at the back last season but with the signings of Tal Ben Haim and Alex, Kenyon believes they will be well covered in defence in the coming campaign.

"The central defence we think we will have strengthened with Ben Haim and Alex, when that gets finalised," he said.

But full-back Pascal Chimbonda will not be moving to Chelsea from Tottenham, as was widely reported on Thursday.

Kenyon added: "There's been no discussions, no contact."

Chelsea have also signed Claudio Pizarro and Steve Sidwell this summer and Kenyon hinted the additions of Malouda and Alex will be the last ahead of the new Premier League season.

Sky

Carvalho Terry

Alex Haim

Thats good

Malouda - Robben - Joey - Sweepy

Thats good

Back to how we were in Jose's first season .. 2 players for each position.

I just hope we revert back to a 4-3-3

[Jimboola69]

Our CB's are a bit of a worry.

We basically have three JT's and a Robbie.

Playing two big strong slow CB's against pace and tricks would be disasterous.

Anyone who saw Zola against Ruddock about a decade back (it featured heavily on TV at the time) will know what I mean. It ca get embarassing.

[evissy]

Our CB's are a bit of a worry.

We basically have three JT's and a Robbie.

Playing two big strong slow CB's against pace and tricks would be disasterous.

Anyone who saw Zola against Ruddock about a decade back (it featured heavily on TV at the time) will know what I mean. It ca get embarassing.

What are you suggesting then?

What is the difference between Ferdinand/Vidic, Carragher/Agger and JT/Riccy? I see them as similar duos and think ours is the best. Now we have really solid backups. Something we didn't have last season. JT and Riccy are not slow, come on. Tony Adams is slow.

OK, you never know how Alex succeeds in EPL but he has the best teachers in JT and Riccy, so to say.

Has Boula already left?

[Jimboola69]

I am saying our first choice is fine.

JT and Carvalho are not similar and compliment each other. JT is the lump (as jack Chalton used to say) .

Vidic and Rio, similar pairing, Vidic is the lump.

But Alex and JT is two lumps. Big physical guys. JT is the fastest and best with distribution but he is essentially a lump. Unless a team plays longball against you, you may have problems.

[evissy]

I am saying our first choice is fine.

JT and Carvalho are not similar and compliment each other. JT is the lump (as jack Chalton used to say) .

Vidic and Rio, similar pairing, Vidic is the lump.

But Alex and JT is two lumps. Big physical guys. JT is the fastest and best with distribution but he is essentially a lump. Unless a team plays longball against you, you may have problems.

Fair enough. But I'm not sure JT is a complete lump , so to say. He can hunt down strikers if needed. Alex seems to be a lump, but I'm still sure he has pace and diversity. I mean he has to have, he's from Brazil!

Ben Haim is a mystery for me since I seldom watch Bolton play. What I know is Jaaskelainen usually has his hands full in the goal.

[Jimboola69]

Lump is a Jackie Charlton term. Maybe 'Enforcer' is a better moniker!

The second striker from an 'enforcer' tends to be more skillful, less physical. A Gallas, Carvo, Rio type. Venables said (some WC on TV I think) that the second centreback should be like a midfielder, and should bring the all out more, have good distribution.

I just feel any combo of either JT, Alex or Haim would be a little flat footed.

A combo of any of those with Robbie C would keep my blood rate wayyy down.

I just think we needed one JT type and a Robbie not two JT's...if you see what I mean....

[Sofa Manager]

Actually I think we're gonna have 2 Carvalhos and 2 Terrys, but im might be wrong there.

I think Ben Haim isn't exactly slow and heavy. Am I so wrong ?

[Jimboola69]

Actually I think we're gonna have 2 Carvalhos and 2 Terrys, but im might be wrong there.

I think Ben Haim isn't exactly slow and heavy. Am I so wrong ?

Yup.

He truly is a lump!

[barak81]

Im very un-impressed with this, have never though much about maluda!!

With all the worlds exciting youngseters being picked up by every one but us im not feeling great about all this. Can some one please shine a posotive light on everything?

we are really going to need a make or break season from robben IMO... time to step up son

[Iceman]

Especially if Man Utd sign Berbatov as well as Tevez. Premiership defences are going to be quaking in their boots at the prospect of Man Utd's attack.

[callista]

I doubt very much they will sign Berbatov.

Jose cannot afford to mess around buying unknown young players - he is not given the largesse to do that (unlike Fergie) at this club he has to win all the time.

Hence no Nani or Anderson types or any other great young untried player which fans always hanker after.

The players bought are for back up which is what everyone said we were missing last year - especially in defence. Jose is also covering for the ANC next season and for competing in four competitions. You don't need to spend big on back ups.

They may not be stellar buys but if the can fit into the team and do their bit for the squad they will have fulfilled their role.

If you look at our first team squad it is actually pretty impressive - would you really be swapping the likes of Essien, Mikel, Cech and Terry for Hargreaves, Rio, Van der Sar to name just a few?

I know I wouldn't.