The holding Champions of the Barclays Premier League have completed their first piece of business as they have officially announced that Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato has agreed personal terms with the London franchise.
Pato, one of the best young talents in Europe just a few years ago has found it hard to find a place in the Brazilian squad but has 27 caps and 10 goals for his nation.
He signed for AC Milan in 2007 from Internacional and scored 16 Serie A goals in 43 performances but struggled towards the end of a five-year spell and returned to Brazil with Corinthians in January 2013.
His present club Corinthians has publicly stated that they want the 25-year old to move on and it is now understood that he has made his way to the Premier League to play for Chelsea.
Chelsea have been in talks with the Brazilian since a week and with the injury to Diego Costa, the London franchise is now keen to complete a deal before the game against Arsenal this weekend.
Corinthians value Pato at around £10 million, but Chelsea my try to haggle down that price or even push for a loan with a view to a permanent move.
Chelsea will also have to obtain a work permit for the player and might need him to practice for atleast a week as he has not played since the start of November.
Pato is now hopeful that Chelsea do not stumble upon a better option before his move is finalized as the Blues have not yet dismissed a series of alternatives.
Do you think Alexandre Pato can change things at Chelsea