Chelsea are reported to have completed the £10m signing of Santos striker Robinho, but 20-year-old will first join Benfica until the 2006-2007 season.

In 2002, the Brazilian was instrumental in helping Santos to their first Brazilian title in 34 years.

Robinho, whose play has evoked comparisons with Pele, has scored 35 goals in 90 matches in the Brazilian league.

He will join Benfica in January, the Daily Mail reported.

Chelsea are understood to have agreed a deal with Benfica after their club president Luis Filipe Vieira met Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich when the Russian billionaire moored his yacht in Lisbon harbour for the duration of Euro 2004.

The deal is perfect for Chelsea because they would have been unable to get a work permit for Robinho at the moment

Robinho’s agent Wagner Ribeiro told the Mail the Benfica move was ideal for his client.

“They speak Portuguese as in Brazil, the climate is mild and the Portuguese are like brothers,” he added.