Barcelona ace Ronaldinho is the subject of intense interest from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is understood to have held two meetings with Assis about bringing the Brazilian to England before Friday's transfer deadline.

Assis told globoesporte.com: "It's common knowledge now, this information, and it is always motivating to know of the interest of a club like Chelsea. But I cannot say anything else, I will not say anything else.

"I was in England and followed the game between Arsenal and Manchester City (on Saturday). I wanted to visit Arsenal's new stadium.

"This I can say, Ronaldinho is contracted to Barcelona until 2010 and is focused only on training well.

"After an excellent preseason, he is in form, motivated and focused on Barcelona."