Chelsea today completed the signing of Oriol Romeu from Barcelona on a four-year deal.

The 19-year-old is the second arrival of Andre Villas-Boas' reign and will link up with his new team-mates at the end of Spain's FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign.

That is where Oriol is currently based, having played 90 minutes in Spain's opening two victories, over Costa Rica and Ecuador, at the tournament.

His arrival at Stamford Bridge will help offset the loss of Michael Essien, who faces six months out with a serious knee injury.

Speaking after the fee had been agreed, Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

"The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position."

Oriol made his first-team debut for Barça at the end of last season but head coach Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements.