Chelsea prepare for Kompany takeover

Chelsea have pulled off another transfer coup by securing the first option to sign Belgian wonderkid Vincent Kompany.

The Anderlecht centre-back has attracted interest from several top European clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Internazionale, but Chelsea are first in line if he decides to leave his home land.

Roman Abramovich has paid a sevenfigure sum for the option to sign Kompany. The deal represents another boost for Chelsea after last month's £12million signing of Arjen Robben. United considered a move for Kompany following Rio Ferdinand's suspension and, in a repeat of the Robben capture, chief executive Peter Kenyon will be delighted to get one over his former club.

Although it appears a huge risk to shell out such a considerable sum for the right to buy a teenager with less than 50 career appearances, such deals are becoming increasingly common. Kenyon has stated that the club's transfer policy is based on securing the best young players from home and abroad and the Belgian falls into that category.

While Robben will arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer, Chelsea fans will have to wait a little longer to get their first glimpse of Kompany. The 18-year-old was given an improved contract at Anderlecht last November that runs until 2006 and the club are desperate to keep hold of him for another season, valuing him at £14m.

General manager Herman van Holsbeeck said: "Vincent is only 18 and we are trying to have a new policy at Anderlecht, showing young players they can make a career here. If we sell Kompany after only six months, then that policy will look like nothing.