Spurs and Chelsea declare Arnesen truce
Tottenham have accepted a “significant” cash settlement from Chelsea that paves the way for sporting director Frank Arnesen to move across London and join the Barclays Premiership champions.
The agreement also clears Chelsea of another potential Premier League inquiry after Spurs had threatened to lodge a complaint of an illegal approach unless they received a suitable offer.
Tottenham’s stance was prompted by the publication of photographs showing Arnesen relaxing on the yacht belonging to Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
The two clubs were locked in talks right up until today’s noon deadline – and even after Chelsea made their offer lawyers from both sides worked deep into the night to fine-tune the agreement.
Tottenham finally confirmed they had reached agreement “in principle” with Chelsea at 10.54pm last night.
The two clubs released a brief joint statement which read: “Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Chelsea Football Club today announced that they have reached agreement in principle regarding Frank Arnesen.
“Formal documentation is to be signed by June 30, 2005. The terms are confidential and will not be disclosed.”
Chelsea are understood to have been ready to offer defenders Robert Huth and Glen Johnson as part of a financial package aimed at dissuading Spurs from lodging a complaint.
However, Spurs were not prepared to accept any players who did not serve the best interests of the club.
Chairman Daniel Levy had insisted that only a “fair settlement” would be acceptable and it is understood Chelsea’s significant offer met with his high expectations, though official figures were not released.
