Chelsea confirm bid for Brazilian Robinho

(CNN) -- Chelsea have confirmed they have made an undisclosed offer for Real Madrid forward Robinho -- believed to be in the region of $40 million.

The club had previously named the Brazilian as their prime summer target following the earlier signings of Portuguese internationals Jose Bosingwa and Deco.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has also made no secret of his admiration for his fellow-Brazilian.

A statement on the Chelsea official Web site read: "Further to media reports, Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have made an offer to Real Madrid for the transfer of Robinho."

The 24-year-old, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2005, has won 50 caps for Brazil. He was reported to be in dispute with the Spanish champions after they refused to let him play for his country at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said on Saturday that although talks with Real had stalled, he remained hopeful that a deal would go through.

"A key issue over buying Robinho has always been that Real are looking for a replacement," he told the club website. "It is fair to say that is what has been holding up discussions."

Robinho has previously stated: "It would be a dream for me to work with Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is one of the best coaches in the world. I have always spoken highly of him and he has always spoken very highly of me, since well before he was at Chelsea.

"In 2003, when I was unknown in Europe, he called me to play in a charity match. It was brief but it was enough for me to see his style and character."