Robben poised for Madrid move

Chelsea's Arjen Robben will sign a five-year deal with Real Madrid today to bring the curtain down on one of football's worst-kept transfer secrets.

Chelsea and Madrid finally agreed a fee for the Holland winger - thought to be £20million plus - after a summer of intense speculation about his future.

Robben has agreed personal terms and only has to pass a medical to ensure his dream move goes ahead.

The 23-year-old was targeted by Madrid president Ramon Calderon during his election campaign last summer when he promised to sign the player.

The speculation heightened when Chelsea's attempts to persuade Robben to sign a new long-term deal collapsed during the summer break.

Madrid winced at the prospect of meeting Chelsea's £30million asking price for the winger but pre-season setbacks suffered by Spanish champions increased the pressure on Calderon to conclude the deal.

A Chelsea statement confirmed: "Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."