According to various media outlets, Chelsea are talking to Brazilian Alexandre Pato and he could sign in this January’s transfer window.
He would apparently prefer a move to Chelsea over Liverpool too. Pato had been linked to Anfield which was being dubbed a shock move. For my money, a move to Chelsea would be an even bigger shock.
At one stage the Brazilian was set to become the 4th highest paid player in the world as a Chinese club were interested in acquiring his services which he has turned down in favour of returning to a major European club.
Currently playing for Corinthians, Pato has entered in the final 12 months of his contract with the Brazilian club.
With high wages and a number of Premier League suitors, Corinthians are unsurprisingly preparing themselves to offload the 26-year old in the January.
The Brazilian Striker has previously admitted that he will like to play in the English Premier League if a club came with a suitable offer.
Speaking to the press a few months ago, this is what Pato has had to say regarding English Premier League:
“I don’t think the physical part of English football would be a problem.”
(Personally Alex, I worry that it could be).
“When you get the ball, you need to be ready. The defenders here are very tough but I like that.”
Initially it was rumoured that Liverpool are interested in acquiring the services of the Pato, but after Jurgen Klopp rejected the idea publically, Chelsea are now apparently the front runners in signing the forward.
We all know about our struggles in front of goal of late and that Hiddink is eager to bolster the squad with the addition at least one striker.
My initial worries are the obvious ones. That Pato’s career seems to be on the downhill, his goalscoring record isn’t going to blow anyone away and he’ll be joining a club that’s searching for a bit of backbone.
Regardless, we will soon see the outcome of the talks with Pato (and others) and I’m sure a new striker will be plying his trade at the Bridge soon enough.
Will it be Pato, or any of the others so far linked – Teixeira, Niasse, Bacca? We’ll certainly know by the end of the window.
