Drogba Leads Chelsea to Victory

Chelsea reached the Champions League knockout phase as Didier Drogba inspired them to the win they required against Valencia at Stamford Bridge. Manager Andre Villas-Boas took the bold decision to drop the vastly experienced Frank Lampard for a game that could have shaped the Blues boss's future - then saw another of Stamford Bridge's old guard prove the catalyst to confirm a place in the last 16 as Group E winners. Drogba, who has been linked with a move as he holds out for a two-year contract, was in irresistible mood and terrorised Valencia throughout, scoring a goal in each half as Chelsea ran out emphatic winners, putting the Spanish side out of the competition in the process. The Ivorian also played his part in Chelsea's second with a run of trademark power and purpose midway through the first half to set up Ramires, a goal which came just as Valencia threatened to work their way back into the game.

Juan Mata completes move to Chelsea

Juan Mata has completed his move to Chelsea from Spanish club Valencia for a reported £23.5m. Mata has signed a five-year contract and is available for Saturday's game against Norwich. "Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club," the 23-year-old winger said. "It is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here." The Spaniard said Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas convinced him to move. "He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that," added Mata. "Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year [the former Porto boss won the Portuguese league, Europa League and two domestic cups last season] and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season."

Arsenal Make £18m Bid For Valencia's Juan Mata

Arsene Wenger has made a club record £18m bid for Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, claims the Daily Mail. The paper says that  Arsenal are now planning a summer spending spree, beginning with the capture of the Spanish Under 21 star.


It is reported that officials spoke to the 23-year-old’s agent and father and that Mata is now happy to discuss his future. Mata can play in central midfield or on the left wing and was also part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup winning squad.
Mata's eye for goal and assists are why Wenger is said to be willing to smash the club’s current transfer record -- £13m for Russian star Andrey Arshavin -- to bring the Spaniard to the Emirates.
Former Real Madrid youth player Mata was one of the stars of Spain’s victorious Under 21 side in Denmark, scoring two goals in the tournament, and has been identified by Wenger as the man to help ease the blow of Cesc Fabregas’ possible departure to Barcelona.

But, the paper says, Wenger  may have to act fast to head off Barcelona and Manchester City -- who are also vying with Chelsea to sign Udinese and Chile winger Alexis Sanchez -- and Liverpool.