Chelsea sign Crespo

The Argentinian's arrival at Stamford Bridge takes the Blues' summer spending to near the £100 million mark since Roman Abramovich's takeover.

Crespo's signing swells the striking options of Blues boss Claudio Ranieri, who has already lured Adrian Mutu from Serie A this month.

Chelsea's initial Inter target was Christian Vieri but after being rebuffed in their efforts to sign the Italian international, they switched sights to the younger and cheaper alternative.

The 28-year-old will be eager to translate his prolific record in Serie A on to the Premiership scene and will be vying for a berth in the star-studded Chelsea ranks.

With Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also fighting for a spot up front, the presence of Crespo and Mutu should ensure goals aplenty this season.

Crespo's signing will also hand The Blues a proven goalscorer in the Champions League after Chelsea booked their place in the lucrative group phase of Europe's elite club competition with a qualifying round victory over MSK Zilina.