Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Alexandre Pato Rumours

Chelsea's protracted bid to sign Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato has reportedly encountered a late problem concerning the loan fee for the frontman.

While the deal to take Pato to Stamford Bridge this month still looks likely, his debut for the Blues could be delayed.

Sky Sports News (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard) reported that Pato has passed his medical with Chelsea, yet sorting out the loan fee for the Corinthians attacker is proving difficult: "Both Chelsea and Corinthians are reportedly locked in debate over the loan fee paid by the champions, who will have the option of agreeing a permanent deal with Pato in the summer."

While this is just seen as delaying the inevitable, Benge has revealed how the prolonged wrangling could postpone the start of Pato's career in west London: "Though the deal is still likely to be completed before the transfer window slams shut on Monday, the chances of the Brazilian forward making his debut in the FA Cup on Sunday seem increasingly slim."

Andre Penner/Associated Press

Pato stated clearly his desire to join Chelsea and his excitement regarding the move on Wednesday, via BBC Sport. But not everybody shares his enthusiasm.

ESPN's Miguel Delaney is less than impressed by Chelsea's recent forays into the transfer market, citing the impending Pato deal as evidence the club needs to alter its strategy:

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The 26-year-old could make his mark in the Premier League and finally show that he can fulfil his potential, but the low-level nature of the loan deal is a long way from the sharpness of Chelsea's business in the summer of 2014 when they landed Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas—transfers that played a major part in their title success last season.

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There's no doubt Pato is a gamble for Blues boss Guus Hiddink. Pato's lengthy history of injuries and the failure to build on the immense promise he once showed at Serie A side AC Milan make him a dubious reinforcement for Chelsea's threadbare attack.

But Hiddink has little choice except to roll the dice on the Brazilian. Leading centre-forward Diego Costa is back on form since Hiddink succeeded Jose Mourinho, but the Dutchman will know there is little cover.

B/R's Dean Jones thinks finding an able deputy for Costa is a priority this month but raises some doubts that Pato fits the bill:

Radamel Falcao has been anonymous since moving to Stamford Bridge last summer. Meanwhile, Frenchman Loic Remy could be on the move during the winter window amid links to former club Newcastle United, according to Kieran Gill of MailOnline.

Despite Pato's uneven career, Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Independent sees a move to Chelsea as a second chance for the talented yet brittle striker to make it at the top level of European football.

Once the finer details of this transfer are worked out, Pato should get plenty of opportunities under Hiddink. Costa has had his own fitness struggles, while the Brazilian's ability to play wide will also be useful to Hiddink, especially since Pedro has struggled mightily.

This may be Pato's last opportunity in Europe. But joining a team revived under a new manager and loaded with gifted players is likely the best chance Pato will get to finally prove himself.