Aulas doubts Malouda move
03 Jul 2007 - 10:44:12
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- Aulas doubts Malouda move
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas doubts whether Chelsea will complete the signing of Florent Malouda this summer.
The France international has spoken of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge, but Aulas is unsure whether the Blues really want to go ahead with the proposed £17million capture of the left-winger.
"I said to Flo that I wasn't sure the deal was going to materialise and that it was necessary he went to Tignes (Lyon's training base)," said Aulas.
"I am not sure Chelsea have the desire or the means to call out to Florent Malouda.
"(Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon said to Flo he was leaving for Moscow to meet the club's owner (AS Roman Abramovich). Sometimes, things happen quickly.
"But I don't feel these people really want to tie up this deal."
Malouda had told French newspaper Le Progres at the weekend of his desire to move to Chelsea, saying: "It would be better for everyone if my transfer to Chelsea is finalised, because I want to leave.
"I have made my choice. I have talked with the coach Jose Mourinho.
"I have had direct contact, unlike with Liverpool where too many intermediaries and sharks have entered the game.
"The directors know I want to leave and in these conditions I can't see me playing for Lyon anymore.
"Even if another club is ready to offer more money, I am determined to go to Chelsea and have been for a while."
Malouda has been with Lyon for four seasons, winning the league title every season, while he is also a regular in the France national team, being a part of the squad that reached the World Cup final a year ago.