Chelsea's first real piece of business has been completed with the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.
With Frank Lampard failing to get the agreement he wanted from Chelsea, the midfield legend opted to ply his trade elsewhere next season.
This meant Lampard was in need of replacing, Fabregas became that man.
Wearing his no4 shirt at his Brazil training camp where the 27-year-old is preparing for tomorrow's national side's encounter against Holland, he said:
"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.
"I feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return.
"I I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing."
The £30m investment by the boys from SW6 will see Fabregas earn £125,000 a week, putting him right at the top of the salary table at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas had waited three weeks for Arsenal to activate their buy back clause, but they decided against it. Sponsors had even offered to pay Fabregas's wages for two years if Arsenal re-signed him, but the money men failed to reach an agreement.
Jose Mourinho jumped in after his Spanish contacts alerted him to his potential availability and a meeting was arranged at a west London hotel.
Mourinho worked his magic and the pair finished their lunch with a shake of the hands - Cesc was a Blue.