Chelsea are set to say so long to a longtime defensive stalwart, as Real Madrid are closing in on a deal for center back Ricardo Carvalho.

A statement from Chelsea said, “Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Carvalho.”

“The transfer is subject to a medical and the player agreeing personal terms. Chelsea would like to thank Riccy for his six years of service, and we wish him well in his future career.”

Real have agreed a fee of 6.7 million pounds for the 32-year-old, who is set to work with Jose Mourinho for a third time after being an integral part of Mourinho’s successes at Porto and Chelsea. Reports say Carvalho has already agreed a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Thanks in large part to injuries, Carvalho made only 47 appearances in his last two seasons at Chelsea. All in all, he made more than 200 appearances at Chelsea after moving from Porto for 19.8 million pounds in the summer of 2004.

Carvalho is Real’s fifth signing of the summer, and he is Mourinho’s first defensive addition, following the purchases of wingers Angel di Maria and Pedro Leon, attacking midfielder Sergio Canales, and midfielder Sami Khedira.