As if to rub salt into Stuart Pearce's apparently gaping wounds, Chelsea have gone out and signed themselves a 12 year old from ASPTT Marseille.

Chelsea's French scout Guy Hillion confirmed yesterday that even in the wake of Pearce warning youngsters against the hazardous 'stockpiling' that goes on at Stamford Bridge, the club have appeared an attractive enough proposition to see them win the race for Jeremy Boga against clubs like Lyon, Monaco, Marseille and Bordeaux. Obviously it helps that his dad has been living in London for the past couple of years for professional reasons, although the lad himself will be staying in France until he's 16 to continue his education.

Hillion, who clearly saw enough talent from the youngster to give him the opportunity at a Premier League club, says "We couldn't have signed Jeremy if Mr Boga hadn't been in London. Chelsea took him because he has the talent to play at the highest level. He's an excellent number 10."

Hillion has made the situation clear in the press, stating "This is not a transfer, as the rules forbid it", however, ASPTT Marseille feel it's far from above board, suggesting "We have had no news from the Boga family neither from Chelsea, this happened behind our back."

So, it appears we have ourselves a 12 year old French lad a€" Wenger must be livid.