The long-running saga over Real Madrid's desire to sign Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben took another twist today when president Ramon Calderon claimed the deal now hinged on the London club's willingness to do business.
The Barclays Premier League club, winners of the FA and Carling Cups last season, have shrugged off all previous attempts by Madrid to land the Holland international.
They have been closely linked with Robben throughout the summer but have failed to persuade Chelsea to part with the player even after the Londoners added Lyon winger Florent Malouda to their squad.
Madrid now want to strengthen their own squad still further and have again identified Robben as their key acquisition.
Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich recently insisted Robben would not be sold at any price but negotiations over a new long-term deal with the player appear to have broken down.
The 23-year-old was in the process of negotiating a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge but there are increasingly ominous signs that it is now only a matter of time before Madrid finally get their man.
Calderon said: "We are advancing in the negotiations. Those responsible are doing it very well, and I hope that it comes to fruition. But until the agreement is closed we cannot say anything.
"It has to be the selling club who first decides, and once that has happened, I don't suppose there will be any problems resolving the player's contract."
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho wants Robben to stay and sign a new deal but the Dutchman, who is represented by his father Hans, will move on if the English club decide it would be better to cut their losses.
Robben has two years remaining on his current deal with Chelsea but their reluctance to increase his wages on a par with the likes of other stars at Stamford Bridge, has frustrated the winger.
Meanwhile, the looming postal strike has forced Chelsea to postpone Marcel Desailly's charity match scheduled for August 7 at Stamford Bridge.
A statement on the club's website said: "Due to various logistical issues including the potential disruption to, and lack of guarantee, of ticket delivery due to the postal strike, the Marcel Desailly Charity Match on August 7 at Stamford Bridge has been postponed.
"The match is likely to be rescheduled for October 10 subject to fixture issues. Tickets purchased for the August date will be valid for the later date."
They have been closely linked with Robben throughout the summer but have failed to persuade Chelsea to part with the player even after the Londoners added Lyon winger Florent Malouda to their squad.
Madrid now want to strengthen their own squad still further and have again identified Robben as their key acquisition.
Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich recently insisted Robben would not be sold at any price but negotiations over a new long-term deal with the player appear to have broken down.
The 23-year-old was in the process of negotiating a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge but there are increasingly ominous signs that it is now only a matter of time before Madrid finally get their man.
Calderon said: "We are advancing in the negotiations. Those responsible are doing it very well, and I hope that it comes to fruition. But until the agreement is closed we cannot say anything.
"It has to be the selling club who first decides, and once that has happened, I don't suppose there will be any problems resolving the player's contract."
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho wants Robben to stay and sign a new deal but the Dutchman, who is represented by his father Hans, will move on if the English club decide it would be better to cut their losses.
Robben has two years remaining on his current deal with Chelsea but their reluctance to increase his wages on a par with the likes of other stars at Stamford Bridge, has frustrated the winger.
Meanwhile, the looming postal strike has forced Chelsea to postpone Marcel Desailly's charity match scheduled for August 7 at Stamford Bridge.
A statement on the club's website said: "Due to various logistical issues including the potential disruption to, and lack of guarantee, of ticket delivery due to the postal strike, the Marcel Desailly Charity Match on August 7 at Stamford Bridge has been postponed.
"The match is likely to be rescheduled for October 10 subject to fixture issues. Tickets purchased for the August date will be valid for the later date."
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