The Oscar deal could be completed as early as Thursday now

Last night we heard it could be finished by Friday, tonight we've got word that it could be done even earlier. Paulo Frietas, who is quickly becoming one of the most reliable sources I've seen on the Brazilian game, tweeted the following tidbit this evening:

#Internacional's president talked to Rádio Gaúcha tonight, he said only some details missing & that Oscar can be a #CFC player by Thursday.

— Paulo Freitas (@Cynegeticus) July 25, 2012

Good news, right? If you needed even more unofficial confirmation that the deal for Oscar is done, this was it. After seeing the way Chelsea have been defending in the first 2 pre-season games, I'm even more excited by this signing than I was earlier. Oscar should easily be able to replicate the defensive role that we're currently giving to Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel, as neither have been deployed as a typical defensive shield to this point in the pre-season. His offensive skillset should easily translate to a slightly deeper role, as he often drops deeper when the team is in possession anyway. Personally, I can't wait to get this done and dusted so we can welcome him to London. It looks like that won't be long now, possibly before the Olympics even get underway.