Chelsea set to seal surprise permanent deal for striker this summer

Chelsea are reportedly set to complete a surprise permanent deal for Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato at the end of the season, according to Sky Sports.

The forward joined the Blues on loan from the Brazilian club in January, but has made just two appearances since, and it was expected that he would return to his parent club this summer.

However, incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is said to be a fan of the 26-year-old, and could take up the option to sign the former AC Milan attacker permanently as he looks to boost a squad that looks set for a mid-table finish this term.

Despite making just a couple of outings for the Premier League holders, Pato did score a penalty in one of those – a 4-0 win against Aston Villa – while he also played the following week in a 1-0 defeat to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium – a result which ended Guus Hiddink’s unbeaten run in the league.