Alexandre Pato to Chelsea: Brazilian 'flying to London tonight' ahead of loan deal

Deal is expected to be announced on Wednesday, according to reports in Brazil

Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato is being linked with a move to Chelsea (Getty Images)

Chelsea are extremely close to announcing the loan signing of Alexandre Pato on loan, according to reports in Brazil.

Both Globo and ESPN Brazil report that the Blues are set to bring the Brazilian striker to Stamford Bridge in the next 24 hours, with Pato expected to be on a flight to London at around midnight, according to his agent Gilmar Veloz.

Further confirmation was given by Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa, who drives for Williams, who posted a message of congratulations to the 26-year-old on his Instagram page.


 Massa's post to Instagram
 (Felipe Mass/Instagram)

The caption on Massa's post, which tags Pato and Chelsea, reads: "I am sure it will be very good for you my bro!! Congrats".

The reports claim that Chelsea will pay Pato's full wages until the end of the season, at a cost of around £1.3million for the sixth month period.

Chelsea are said to have wanted to do a permanent deal for around £8m, but got cold feet when they realised how desperate Corinthians were to sell the former AC Milan striker.

Club and player are said to have agreed personal terms last week, but the clubs have been locked in negotiation since; Roman Abramovich's trusted lieutenant Marina Granovskaia was the chief negotiator.

Both reports expect Chelsea to wait until the summer to sign a pre-contract agreement with Pato.

His contract runs out next New Year's eve meaning he could go on loan for another six months at the start of next season and then sign as a free agent next January.

ESPN Brazil hailed Granovskaia's negotiation as a huge win for the Blues, as they have saved £8m on a player they could potentially sign for free in a year.

Pato, who last played in Europe in 2012 and for the national team in 2013, has been on loan at Sao Paulo in each of the last two seasons.

He has scored 38 goals in 95 matches for the club since 2014.