The transfer fee for the 24-year-old is still to be finalised, with Chelsea sources insisting they will not pay more than £30m for the striker. But personal terms are now understood to have been agreed, while Ribeiro yesterday reassured Chelsea that Robinho wants to join them if he leaves Real and that the club are prepared to sell.
Indeed, Real have privately been accused by the Brazilian Football Confederation of withdrawing Robinho from their Olympic squad so as not to jeopardise his transfer.