Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed Michael Ballack has already signed for Chelsea.
Germany international Ballack is being lined up for a summer switch to the Premiership champions when his Bayern Munich contract expires.
Bayern have already conceded they can not compete with any Chelsea offer for the midfielder, who turns 30 later this year.
With Manchester United having withdrawn from the race to sign Ballack, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace appears likely to agree terms with Chelsea.
Premiership rivals Arsenal had also been linked with a swoop for the goalscoring midfielder, but Wenger was cool on talk he could sign Ballack.
He revealed The Gunners have not been offered the chance to land the German and suggested a deal has already been struck with The Blues.
"I haven't been offered Ballack because he has signed somewhere else," commented Wenger.
"Blue suits him much better."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already expressed an interest in bringing Ballack to Stamford Bridge, with reports claiming he will be offered a £120,000-a-week contract.
Ballack has also stressed a preference for The Premiership over La Liga, having been chased by Real Madrid, and his future is expected to be resolved before the start of the World Cup in Germany.
Germany international Ballack is being lined up for a summer switch to the Premiership champions when his Bayern Munich contract expires.
Bayern have already conceded they can not compete with any Chelsea offer for the midfielder, who turns 30 later this year.
With Manchester United having withdrawn from the race to sign Ballack, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace appears likely to agree terms with Chelsea.
Premiership rivals Arsenal had also been linked with a swoop for the goalscoring midfielder, but Wenger was cool on talk he could sign Ballack.
He revealed The Gunners have not been offered the chance to land the German and suggested a deal has already been struck with The Blues.
"I haven't been offered Ballack because he has signed somewhere else," commented Wenger.
"Blue suits him much better."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already expressed an interest in bringing Ballack to Stamford Bridge, with reports claiming he will be offered a £120,000-a-week contract.
Ballack has also stressed a preference for The Premiership over La Liga, having been chased by Real Madrid, and his future is expected to be resolved before the start of the World Cup in Germany.
