Torres Signing Shows That Roman is Still Interested

As millions of watchers on around the world stare with fixation at their computer screens on another dramatic transfer deadline day, the sound of a Russian giant awaking from his slumbers can be heard from London to Moscow. Many a watcher on will doubtless see the importance of Chelsea's new number 9 in the context of the remainder of the 2010/11 Premier League season but the most important aspect of the West London based club's sensational swoop is the confirmation that Russian oil oligarch Roman Abramovich is still interested in furthering the success of Chelsea football club. Since virtually the second of Sepp Blatter's announcement that Russia were to have the honor of hosting the 2018 World Cup rumors have been rife as to where the attentions of Abramovich's well stocked check book would be focused. Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin said in no uncertain terms that he was expecting financial aid from the likes of Abramovich and with the World Cup announcement coinciding with Chelsea's remarkable dip in form, it seemed more than likely that the Russian, who changed the face of English football forever 8 years ago, was fed up with financing life at Stamford Bridge. Then came the January transfer window and an opportunity for Abramovich to demonstrate his commitment to the current Premier League champions, and provide funds for the start of an exciting new era at Chelsea. Only a week or so ago Chelsea's attempt to land new blood looked to be petering out as a move for highly rated Benfica defender David Luiz appeared to have fallen through. However, just 48 hours later it was confirmed that Chelsea had had a 35 million pound bid for Fernando Torres rebuffed by Liverpool. Not to be deterred, Abramovich made a final offer of 50 million pounds for Torres as the hours dwindled away and the transfer window ticked to a close. This time the offer was accepted and Fernando Torres is now a Chelsea player, a deal that will no doubt overshadow another major coup for Chelsea, namely the completion of a deal for the aforementioned David Luiz. So will Chelsea's latest crop of big money signing's be enough for them to overhaul the ten point gap between themselves and Manchester United? Or should Chelsea supporters simply take solace in the fact that Roman Abramovich looks to be in for the long haul?


For another view on the Torres transfer click here