The news of the deal was confirmed by both Chelsea and Lille on Wednesday, with both parties reportedly happy with the terms of the transfer. The fee is believed to be in the region of €42 million, with Chelsea expected to pay €21 million while Lille will receive €19 million.

Thiago Alcantara has been a key player for Chelsea since his move from Barcelona in 2016. He made over 200 appearances for the Blues during his time at the club and has become one of the most popular players in English football. However, he has struggled to break into the first team after joining Chelsea, scoring just four goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.

In January this year, Chelsea announced that they had agreed to sell Alcantara to Ligue 1 side Lille for a reported sum of €30 million. The move was seen as a sign of the club's commitment to rebuilding their midfield and adding depth to their squad.

Lille, who are based in France, have also expressed interest in signing Alcantara. They have made several offers to the player in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will agree to make a move or not. It is unclear how the situation could evolve in the future, but the report suggests that both sides are willing to work towards a mutually beneficial solution.

Overall, the deal between Chelsea and Lille is seen as a positive development for both clubs. It shows that both teams are committed to rebuilding their squads and adding depth to their midfield. The fee paid by Chelsea is a significant amount, which reflects their desire to secure a top-class player for their squad. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out in the future, and if Chelsea will continue to pursue deals like this in the future.