Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore might leave the club in the January transfer window, a source close to the player has confirmed to ESPN. Pastore has made just four appearances for the French champions in all competitions this season and now seems to be not a key part of new manager Unai Emery’s plans.
The Argentinian is the victim of a recurring calf injury which has tested the patience of his current employers and PSG might cash in on him in January. Pastore arrived in the French capital in the summer of 2011 from Italian side Palermo in a €42m deal.
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According to Get French Football News, the Blues are keen on signing the Argentinian and it is no surprise as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is an admirer of Pastore. There are also rumours that Pastore is attracting interest from the Chinese Super League team, Shanghai SIPG and Serie A champions, Juventus. The 27-year-old extended his contract with PSG last year and his current deal runs until the summer of 2019.
PSG are reportedly analysing the Pastore’s future at the club keeping in mind that Giovani Lo Celso, whom they signed from Rosario Central last summer, will join the French champions in January; the club might let Pastore leave in the next transfer window.
The 27-year old has made 215 appearances for PSG racking up 38 goals and 47 assists. His creativity would come in handy for Chelsea as the future of Cesc Fabregas at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain. The Spaniard doesn’t seem apt for Chelsea’s new style of play and has started only one match for the Blues in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea are linked with AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Thorgan Hazard and Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles as Conte looks keen on strengthening his side and money will certainly not be a hindrance in his pursuit of players as he has the financial backing of the club owner, Roman Abramovich.
There might also be a couple of exits in January as the club hasn’t offered Nigerian International John Obi Mikel a contract extension. The 29-year old’s current deal expires in June. Branislav Ivanovic, who has lost his place in the Chelsea starting line-up is the subject of interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace. However, it is not a certainty that Conte will let the Serbian leave the club.
Conte has brought The Blues back on track after consecutive defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal. The 5-team league champions thrashed Everton 5-0 at home in the latest round of fixtures in the Premier League and are currently 2nd in the league table behind leaders Liverpool.
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