In a dramatic move, Ligue 1 champions Lille have reached agreement with Chelsea to sell their key midfielder, Mathieu Valbuena, to the English Premier League side for a reported sum of €35 million.
The transfer is expected to complete by the end of the season and will mark a significant departure for Chelsea, who have struggled in recent seasons without their star player. However, it is not clear when exactly the deal will be completed or if there will be any impact on Lille's current squad.
Valbuena, a versatile player who can play at various positions, has been a vital asset for Chelsea over the past few years. He made his debut for the Blues in 2018 and has since become one of the club's most valuable players, earning praise from both fans and pundits alike.
Chelsea has already made some significant signings this summer, including the signing of Eden Hazard and Mason Mount, but they are still short of depth in certain areas. With Valbuena out of contract next year, the club needs to find someone capable of stepping up to replace him.
Valbuena was widely considered one of the best midfielders in Europe last season and he proved himself to be a reliable and consistent performer during his time at Chelsea. However, his contract到期后将不再续约，这可能会对他的合同效力产生影响。
As for Lille, they were initially hesitant about selling Valbuena due to concerns about his potential return to France. However, they now seem to have changed their mind and believe that he would be a valuable addition to their squad.
Overall, the move between Chelsea and Lille could be seen as a positive development for both teams. It provides a boost to the financial situation of both clubs and could also help to improve the overall quality of the squad at Stamford Bridge.