Chelsea have reached an agreement with FC Basel to sign winger Mohamed Salah, according to the London club's official website. The Blues say they have agreed a deal with the Swiss club for the Egyptian international and that the move is dependent upon the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms. An official club statement read:
Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of their 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah. The move is subject to the Egyptian international agreeing personal terms and completing a medical examination.
Chelsea were said earlier today to be on the verge of signing Salah, who had also been on Liverpool's radar, and that the deal would go through for £10 million. Further reports earlier this afternoon claimed the wide-man's representatives were convinced the move would go through, and that it hastened Juan Mata's move to Man United. United are expected later today to unveil Mata after the Spain international completes his medical and agrees personal terms, and Salah is thought to be a direct replacement. Salah, who has been capped 27 times by Egypt, has been heralded as his country's answer to Lionel Messi. The starlet has scored four goals in the Swiss Super League this season and 10 in 29 overall appearances for Basel. Chelsea are familiar with Salah's talents and capabilities as the winger netted decisive goals against them in this season's Champions League.