Brazilian midfielder Ramires checked into London for his medical on Tuesday night, ahead of his impending transfer to Chelsea. The wiry, pacy midfielder impressed Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti during the World Cup and is set to seal a £18million move from Benfica to Chelsea.
But there is some concern about the player getting a work permit to play in England. The regulation states that the player must have played in at least 75% of the country’s international games over the last two years. Ramires clearly falls short of this requirement. But Chelsea are hopeful that work permit might be granted in the second attempt, if not at the first time of asking. Chelsea are hopeful of signing him before their Community Shield clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
Ramires’ arrival would take the number of overseas players to eighteen. With only seventeen foreign players allowed, Ancelotti will be forced to let go of one of his foreign stars. Deco is expected to make way as he readies himself for a move back to Brazil with Fluminense.
After the capture of Ramirez, Chelsea will turn their attention towards David Luiz – his Benfica team-mate. A deal of around £27 million is being talked about for the centre back who is also the subject of Manchester City’s interest.
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