Chelsea Transfer News: Is Javier Pastore the Right Man for Blues?

Chelsea's hunt for their new, dynamic central midfield playmaker may finally becoming to an end. The London club had been searching all summer for new, young talent to partner with Fernando Torres in their attack. They'd been linked to everyone from Luka Modric to Samir Nasri in the centre midfield, but after incumbent star Michael Essien suffered a season-ending knee injury, the intensity of the search was kicked up a notch. 

Now, according to a Mirror Football report, the Blues' search may have ended courtesy of midfield maestro Javier Pastore of Palermo. The 22-year-old Argentine standout has been a star with the Sicilian club over the last two seasons and is one of the most hotly contested transfer targets of the summer. 

According to Palermo vice president Guglielmo Micciche, the star is looking more and more likely to land at Stamford Bridge with each passing day. 

"It's very probable that Pastore will go to Chelsea, but I think there are other top-level teams who are after the player," Micciche told Radio Sportiva.

Let's pause for a moment and assume that Pastore actually decides to play for the Blues next season, and Chelsea have splashed the cash to get him. Is the Argentine a good fit for the Blues, or will he wind up being a €45 million bust? 

The talented playmaker is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic midfield stars in the game. He went supernova in his second season with Palermo, slicing and dicing Serie A with his skills. 

Pastore is one of the best in the world with the ball at his feet, capable of making impressive runs and beating defenders off the dribble. He's got a powerful shot, capable of scoring from distance, but what sets him apart as an attacking midfielder is his passing. 

The 22-year-old midfielder is excellent and finding the passing lanes necessary to create chances for teammates, and he can pick apart a defense as well as anyone in football. He's a balanced, skilled midfielder with stellar pace and excellent offensive skills. 

His defense isn't stellar, but given his offensive gifts, that's a minor inconvenience.

Chelsea are in dire need of a player with Pastore's skill set, and there's a major need for a playmaker who can create chances for Fernando Torres at striker from the midfield.  With Frank Lampard steadily getting older, Pastore's youth, pace and passing ability, as well as his nose for goal make him a fantastic fit in the Blues' system. 

In fact, Pastore should thrive at Chelsea as the primary facilitator and offensive weapon for Chelsea coming out of the midfield. He'll fill a similar maestro role he had at Palermo, and with his skill set, he'll fill it incredibly well. 

The Argentine is a budding star, and one who has shown incredible offensive gifts in an attacking role. He's not perfect yet, but at Chelsea, he'll have every chance to fulfill his considerable potential. 

Pastore won't come cheap to Stamford Bridge, but given his gifts and Chelsea's dire need for help in the midfield, he'll prove to be well worth it. The Argentine star is an elite talent, and represents the kind of player the Blues need to get to replace Essien. 

Look for him to continue his rise to stardom at Stamford Bridge, as he fits perfectly into the major hole the Blues have in their midfield, and has the talent to thrive in Andre Villas-Boas' system.