Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted the club are hoping to sign Lyon's Florent Malouda before leaving for America next week.
Kenyon has been in contact with the French club over the 26-year-old winger, but insists a deal would not lead to the departure of Arjen Robben.
After featuring in the World Cup for France a year ago, Lyon promised to listen to offers for Malouda, who is valued at upwards of £12million.
"We've been in dialogue with Lyon and we're looking to conclude that," said Kenyon. "It would be nice to conclude that before we go to Los Angeles.
"I'm very optimistic he will be joining us at some point out there."
Jose Mourinho's side leave for America on Monday as they prepare for a challenge to win the Premier League back.
Steve Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Claudio Pizarro have been signed already and Brazil defender Alex is set to arrive from PSV Eindhoven.
Despite Robben being linked with a move to Spain, Kenyon insists Malouda's arrival would not mean the Holland winger departing.
"You shouldn't read anything into that. He's a different type of player," said Kenyon.
"We were light in certain areas last season and now we're just concentrating on bringing him in."
Kenyon also dismissed reports of interest in Tottenham full-back Pascal Chimbonda.
"There's been no discussions and no contact," he added.