Chelsea are confident of signing Brazilian midfielder Ramires from Benfica for a reported £20m, and hope to have the deal wrapped up by the end of next week.

Chelsea are hoping to strengthen their squad before the start of the season, and it looks like they have beaten off competition from Manchester City to sign the Benfica midfielder. Ramires starred in Brazil’s World Cup campaign, and he was sorely missed through suspension when the Brazilians lost to Holland at the quarter final stage.

Ramires played as one of Brazil’s two defensive midfield players, and it’s thought that Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti, will look to deploy him in a similar role. This could mean that John Obi Mikel’s place in the Chelsea starting lineup could be seriously under threat.

Ramires joined Benfica in May 2009 for a fee of €7.5m, and he played 47 times for the Portuguese Champions last season, scoring 7 goals. Chelsea Sporting Director, Frank Arnesen, watched him a number of times last season, including when Liverpool beat Benfica 4-1 at Anfield in the second leg of the Europa League.

So what’s your view? Will Ramires be a good signing for Chelsea? Where do you think he will fit into the Chelsea midfield? To help you make up your mind view the video clip of him in action below.