Wednesday, 20th July, 2011
Javier Pastore is all set to leave Palermo after Argentina were knocked out of the 2011 Copa America, but his destination remains a mystery.
Palermo’s president Maurizio Zamparini has confirmed that the transfer of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder is advanced, with the Serie A side having received an offer of between €40M and €50M for the player.
"I spoke yesterday with an official at a big European club", said Zamparini, "and he said they were willing to pay between €40M and €50M for Pastore. I think the situation can be resolved within the next ten days."
However, there is real confusion as to which side could have submitted the bid, with one of English duo Chelsea and Manchester City looking the most likely.
Within Italy both AC Milan and Roma have been linked with Pastore, but neither look likely to pay such a sum of money for the midfielder.
In Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been mooted as possible destinations. However, Barcelona are concentrating their midfield efforts on Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, while Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho recently stated his side require just another striker.
English Premier League side Manchester City are another club to have tracked Pastore and financially such a sum would be achievable, but there has been little talk of the Citizens being in for the Argentine in recent weeks. However, Roberto Mancini is known to rate the 22-year-old highly.
Chelsea look another possible destination, but for the Blues too such a significant outlay would come as a bolt from the blue with no suggestion Andre Villas-Boas is close to masterminding a deal.
The Portuguese has stated his intention to study his current group closely on their Asian tour before deciding on any purchases. The Stamford Bridge side though are known to have tracked Pastore closely.
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