Adrian Mutu is relishing the prospect of joining Roman Abramovich's Chelsea revolution after his Italian club Parma accepted a stg£15.8million bid from the Stamford Bridge big spenders.
Mutu is expected in London for talks next week over a projected five-year contract and if finalised his move would take Abramovich's spending to over stg£75million.
But the 24-year-old Romanian international admitted it was a tough decision to leave his Serie A club and particularly his coach Cesare Prandelli.
Mutu told Gazetta dello Sport that he was swayed after talking to his friend and former Blues defender Dan Petrescu.
Mutu said: "Dan Petrescu talked about Chelsea in a good way and I couldn't refuse the offer they made me.
"I asked my club to consider it and I have to thank the officials. After practically launching me they have now given me the possibility to go to England.
"There was a big feeling with the coach and my team-mates. From a human point of view it hasn't been an easy choice. But now it's done so let's think of Chelsea."
Chelsea announced last night that they had come to an agreement with Parma over Mutu, rated one of the best striking prospects in Serie A.
Mutu scored 17 league goals last season and four in the UEFA Cup.
Meanwhile, the French newspaper L'Equipe reported today that Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has agreed a one-year extension to his current Stamford Bridge contract.