Premier League legend Thierry Henry has backed the "special" Juan Cuadrado to leave his mark on England's top flight ahead of his prospective move to Chelsea.

On Friday, Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella confirmed that the Blues had struck a deal to sign the 26-year-old winger, with £26m the reported fee.

The Colombian's stock rose after impressing at last summer's World Cup, and the former Arsenal striker says that Cuadrado is well equipped to thrive in England.

"Everybody saw the World Cup, the way he performed – he's a special player," Henry told Sky Sports News.

"He can beat anyone at any time and he's a proper winger also – that's something you don't see often now, guys that want to go down the line and beat people and cross.

"That's what you want if you're a striker, so I think he will be – if he comes to Chelsea – a special player. He won't surprise people because everybody saw him at the World Cup, but he's a special talent."

Cuadrado has netted four goals and grabbed four assists in 17 Serie A appearances for the Viola this season.