Salomon Kalou Goes To France - Report

I guess this isn't strictly about Chelsea anmore, since Salomon Kalou has been a free agent for six days, but it looks like the Ivorian has found himself a new home. We've known that Lille have had an interest in him for some time, and various reports out of France are now suggesting that he's on the verge of signing with the 2010/11 Ligue 1 champions (and former club of Eden Hazard).

The deal, apparently, runs through the 2015/16 season, and considering that Kalou is coming in on a free transfer he should be able to get the sort of wages he was asking for with the Blues, wages that would have been entirely unreasonable for a backup player. I think Kalou will do quite well in France - he's underrated by Chelsea fans due to his frustrating decision making, but he's actually quite a handy player, and I'm glad he's not gone to an English club, because you had the horrible feeling that he'd randomly score against us whenever given the opportunity.

Apparently this isn't quite done, but expect a deal to be announced shortly. Good luck in France, Salomon!