Chelsea FC have finally confirmed the arrival of Alexandre Pato on loan while announcing the temporary departure of Charly Musonda to Real Betis.
Reports have been rife in recent days regarding Alexandre Pato’s Chelsea switch but an agreement had not been formally announced. That was until yesterday evening when the club officially confirmed that the Brazilian would be joining the Blues on loan for the rest of the season.
Speaking to the club website after penning his contract, Pato expressed his delight at the move.
"I am so happy to sign for Chelsea. It is a dream for me…I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans."
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Chelsea have been lacking up front due to a combination of poor form and injuries. Diego Costa has found his feet in recent weeks but Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have shown little signs of improvement. Furthermore, Costa’s injury-proneness and unpredictable temperament means that he is liable to becoming awful again.
As a result, Pato’s arrival is much-needed as the Blues seek to salvage something from this campaign. While the Corinthians forward may no longer carry the same hype that surrounded him at AC Milan, at the age of 26 he has a new opportunity to fulfill his potential at the top-level.
Charly Musonda, meanwhile, will spend the rest of the season playing in La Liga with Real Betis. The supremely talented youngster reportedly turned down a Vitesse loan in the summer in the belief that he could break into Jose Mourinho’s senior squad. This did not happen and the 19-year-old has been forced to spend his time with the U21s.
The Belgian midfielder may be tender in age, but he is far beyond his contemporaries. Hence, it is relieving to see him now have an opportunity to play competitive football week in, week out. Betis are not the greatest team in the world, but Musonda just needs regular football at this point in his career and he should receive it over in Spain.
This leaves the Matt Miazga deal outstanding. Guus Hiddink confirmed that the US defender will be a Chelsea player but we are still awaiting the official line. The 20-year-old will play an important backup role as the weathered John Terry and Gary Cahill inevitably require more rest as the campaign continues.
Next: Chelsea FC vs MK Dons: Team News, Prediction and Stats
The transfer window closes on Monday and it will be interesting to see what other moves, if any, Chelsea make before the deadline. Be sure to stick with us at The Pride Of London through our website, our Twitter or our Facebook to keep in touch.