Chelsea have signed Athletic Bilbao left back Asier del Horno for 12 million euros ($14.50 million) on a three-year contract, the English Premier League champions said on Tuesday.
"Asier is an outstanding international player who will add quality to the squad in a position we needed to strengthen," said Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in a statement.
"I'm sure he will be a key player as Chelsea continues with its goal to achieve greater success both in England [Images] and in the Champions League."
A powerful attacking fullback who is strong in the air, the 24-year-old came through the youth ranks at Athletic.
Del Horno made his debut for Spain last September in a friendly against Scotland and scored the winner against England in a November friendly.
Chelsea have been looking for a player to challenge Wayne Bridge at left back.
Athletic said Del Horno will give a news conference at 1630 GMT on Wednesday with the Spanish club's president Fernando Lamikiz.
He will join up with the Chelsea squad for the start of pre-season training from July 6.
As well as the league title, Chelsea also won the League Cup and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.
© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
|