Malouda has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool

Malouda, 27, told French newspaper Le Progres: "It would be better for everyone if my transfer to Chelsea is finalised because I want to leave.

"I have made my choice. I have talked with the coach Jose Mourinho.

"The directors know I want to leave and in these conditions I can't see me playing for Lyon anymore."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says Malouda can leave the French champions - but only for the right price.

Aulas told his club's website: "We will help him to leave if we get offers to the level we are expecting but if there are not any such offers he will stay."

Lyon have put a �17m price tag on the player and have already lost another French international, Eric Abidal, to Barcelona this week.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Malouda's future

Malouda, who has also been linked to Liverpool, added: "Even if another club is ready to offer more money, I am determined (to go to Chelsea) and have been for a while."

If he does move to Chelsea, Malouda will link up again with Didier Drogba, with whom he enjoyed success at Guingamp in 2002-03.