Chelsea revealed as club to have met asking price for Argentine star

Javier Pastore’s €50m release clause was met yesterday but Palermo were reluctant to identify the club that had met the asking price.

According to Pastore’s agent, Marcelo Simonian, Palermo have received a bid from a club that meets the asking price but there is plenty of interest in the Argentine attacker and that the club would be holding out for more money.

Well today it has emerged that Chelsea are believed to be the club to have met the asking price after comments from Palermo president Maurizio Zamperini.

“Pastore is a phenomenal player and there are three or four clubs interested in him,” said Zamperini.

“Chelsea are one of the clubs concerned, but we have to wait to see what Villas-Boas, the new coach, decides.

“The same goes for Juventus, although they are less interested than the English. Napoli have also called me to ask for Pastore. I would love him to stay in Italy, but it is very unlikely.”

There is no confirmation from Zamperini that the club has received an offer from Chelsea but Pastore’s agent yesterday confirmed there is someone that wants him at that price and Villas-Boas could be about to make his first high-profile signing as Chelsea manager.

Manchester City and Spanish club Malaga are reportedly interested in Pastore’s signature and Palermo are hoping to start a bidding war for their prized asset.

In the mould of Kaka, Pastore managed 14 goals and 6 assists in 41 games for Palermo last season and has eight caps for Argentina after making his debut in May 2010.

€50m seems ridiculous price for a player who is yet to have a standout season in Serie A and isn’t a regular starter for his international side, but transfer prices are like house prices in 2007 at the moment and Palermo want to cash in on their star.