Roman's dream scheme: Get me
Ronaldinho, the best player in the world... by Friday!
Roman Abramovich has held two meetings with Ronaldinho's brother
and adviser, the second in London this weekend, in the hope of
bringing the Barcelona superstar to Chelsea.
In the most audacious transfer business of his Chelsea tenure, the
Russian billionaire spent the weekend entertaining Roberto de Assis
Moreira, flying him in on his private jet and putting him up at the
exclusive Lanesborough Hotel in Mayfair.
Abramovich held the second meeting with Moreira at his
Knightsbridge house on Saturday morning and is understood to have
put an offer to him that would make the Brazil star the highest
paid player in Europe.
Sources at Chelsea last night insisted that the first approach came
from Ronaldinho's camp and it is unclear what exact figures have
been discussed. It will, however, dwarf the £130,000-a-week deal
recently agreed with captain John Terry.
Luring Ronaldinho from the Nou Camp is not going to be easy, and
not just because the summer transfer window closes this Friday.
There is the buy-out clause in the contract Ronaldinho signed at
Barcelona in September 2005 which runs until 2010. It is a
staggering £85million. But Abramovich is desperate to see his
Chelsea side play with more flair and adventure, not least after
seeing them stutter to a 1-0 win against Portsmouth on Saturday,
and would consider it money well spent for the 27-year-old, who has
twice been named World Player of the Year.
Stamford Bridge officials have also been encouraged by Ronaldinho's
stuttering performance as part of a three-pronged attack in Barca's
La Liga opener against Racing Santander, which they drew 0-0.
Evidence is mounting that the talented attacking quartet of
Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi is
becoming increasingly difficult for Nou Camp boss Frank Rijkaard to
juggle.
Sportsmail understands that Moreira flew back to Spain last night
to speak to his brother following the fixture in Santander and
discuss the meeting he had with Abramovich.
