Antonio Conte may be busy with Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign but he is still calling the shots for Chelsea’s summer transfer plans as well. According to the latest reports from Daily Star, the Italian has made a decision over Alexandre Pato.
Pato is still contracted with Chelsea until June 30 and striker’s agent believes that his client will get the extension despite most of the fans voting against his Stamford Bridge stay.
Pato was brought to the club last January as an emergency centre-forward following the injury and suspension to Diego Costa. However, his own fitness saw the Brazilian play very limited number of games and looked on the verge of being thrown away by the Blues.
Despite his poor form and fitness, Pato’s agent has made claims of a new deal in waiting which would see the striker continue his reign in Premier League.
Speaking in an interview, Gilmar Veloz said: “[I hear] Pato’s already agreed deals with Internacional, Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Flamengo. But how is he going to sign for someone else when he has a contract at Chelsea until the 30th?
“He has a document there with a four-year contract that Chelsea will exercise if they want.
“I don’t know if they will do that; I’m not Roman Abramovich.
“If they don’t buy him, it will be up to Corinthians to decide what to do. Pato is on holiday, waiting to find out his future.”
Chelsea’s striker conundrum:
Incoming manager Antonio Conte needs to make a tough call with Diego Costa rumoured to quit the club and Loic Remy isn’t that happy either. However, Chelsea are about to complete a deal to sign Michy Batshuayi after agreeing a £33.2m transfer last night.
Chelsea are also linked with a move for Alvaro Morata this summer, which would mean that if Pato stays at the club he will be a back-up to both Batshuayi and Morata.
Given the form he showed last season if I were Pato, I would happily accept any offer from the Blues and continue my career in Premier League where other clubs would eventually ponce on him if he maintains his fitness and regains his finishing touch.