Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted the
club are hoping to sign Lyon's Florent Malouda before leaving for
America next week.
Kenyon has been in contact with the French club over the
26-year-old winger, but insists a deal would not lead to the
departure of Arjen Robben.
After featuring in the World Cup for France a year ago, Lyon
promised to listen to offers for Malouda, who is valued at upwards
of £12million.
"We've been in dialogue with Lyon and we're looking to conclude
that," said Kenyon. "It would be nice to conclude that before we go
to Los Angeles.
"I'm very optimistic he will be joining us at some point out
there."
Jose Mourinho's side leave for America on Monday as they prepare
for a challenge to win the Premier League back.
Steve Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Claudio Pizarro have been signed
already and Brazil defender Alex is set to arrive from PSV
Eindhoven.
Despite Robben being linked with a move to Spain, Kenyon insists
Malouda's arrival would not mean the Holland winger
departing.
"You shouldn't read anything into that. He's a different type of
player," said Kenyon.
"We were light in certain areas last season and now we're just
concentrating on bringing him in."
Kenyon also dismissed reports of interest in Tottenham full-back
Pascal Chimbonda.
"There's been no discussions and no contact," he added.