According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Chelsea want to sign PSG star Javier Pastore on loan in January.
The Argentina midfielder, recently described by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona as the best player in the world, boasts 35 goals and 38 assists in 185 appearances for the Parisians. He’s played an important role in their run of three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and last season claimed a place in the division’s Team of the Year.
But the 26 year-old has never been a guaranteed starter under Laurent Blanc, this term making six league starts out of a possible nine, and recent comments suggest he’s not entirely happy with the situation.
As reported by Get France Football News, Pastore said after a 2-0 win over Bastia on Saturday in regards to PSG’s coming Champions League clash against Real Madrid; “When we are about to play a big match, you always have that in your head. So yes, all the players think about the Real Madrid game because it will be a fantastic match.
“The key to PSG vs Real? That I play! We will have to play well, have possession of the ball and be aggressive when we don’t have it. I hope above everything that we will do a good match. Will I start? I don’t know but I hope so.”
According to The Star, who cite Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, six clubs are looking to capitalise on Pastore’s limited game-time during the January transfer window – with Premier League champions Chelsea leading the pack.
They claim the Blues are keen to sign the creative midfielder on loan, whilst Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan are also monitoring the situation.
PSG may be more open to parting with Pastore than expected, especially if he pushes for a move. They’re already five points clear at the top of the table and signed similar-in-style countryman Angel Di Maria from Manchester United during the summer.