Done Deal – Chelsea Target Signs, Will Wear Number 23 Shirt

Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Juventus midfielder, Arturo Vidal – who has signed for Real Madrid.

Vidal, also a target for Chelsea London rival, Arsenal has, as per the Express has opted to join Spanish champions, Real Madrid and will wear the #23 at the back of his shirt for the 2015-16 season.

Blues boss, Jose Mourinho has been in the market for a capable defensive midfield shield to support Nemanja Matic. This led the Portguese manager to earmark Vidal as a possible target, only for Madrid to snap him up.

All aspects of the deal have been finalised, with the official announcement imminent.

The Express quote Chilean newspaper El Mercurio which claims Vidal has agreed to join the Spanish giants on a five-year deal and will wear the No.23 shirt for the club.

Arsenal have been mooted as a possible destination for Vidal, with various reports suggesting that compatriot Alexis Sanchez has urged him to join the Gunners. The Independent had said the transfer of Vidal to Arsenal for £21 million was 90% done.

Furthermore, Manchester United almost signed the Chile international star last summer before boss Van Gaal “pulled the plug” on the deal.

All these rumoured move now looks as though it would be put to rest as the player has chosen Madrid instead.

Vidal, 28 – who was recently charged for drink-driving offences – is a highly-rated box to box midfielder. He joined Juventus in 2011 and has since been a valuable member of the team.

Real’s signing of Vidal could mean the exit of Isco from the club. Isco is also a subject of a summer transfer to Chelsea, with the Premier League champions submitting a £20 million bid for the Spaniard which was swiftly rejected by the Bernabeu club.

Chelsea are also in the hunt for another Chile midfielder, Charles Aranguiz. The Internacional star starred for Chile on their way to the recent Copa America triump in June.

Vidal will be expected to form a solid partnership with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the heart of Madrid’s midfield, as Rafael Benitez looks to win the La Liga title and the Champions League.

Arturo Vidal has won four Serie A, one Copa Italia titles  two Supercoppa Italiana titles since joining Juventus.