Alexandre Pato to Chelsea: Blues 'have first option' to sign Brazilian striker

Pato scored 51 goals during a five-year spell at AC Milan between 2007 and 2012

Alexandre Pato has been linked with a move to both Chelsea and Liverpool (Getty Images)

Chelsea reportedly have a deal in place to sign Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato on loan.

The Blues are keen to secure extra cover in attacking positions in light of Diego Costa’s inconsistent form, despite the Spain international’s emphatic display against Arsenal, and Loic Remy’s supposedly imminent departure.

According to Sky Sports, the deal to sign Pato was put in place by former manager Jose Mourinho while Guus Hiddink, the Portuguese’s replacement, is hesitant about doing a deal this month.

But the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are likely to conclude a swoop for the 26-year-old before the winter window closes on February 1. The Premier League strugglers are thought to have first option on signing their primary target.

Pato scored 51 goals during a five-year spell at AC Milan between 2007 and 2012 but has since seen his career stagnate in recent seasons, leading to his exit from the international scene with Brazil.

The former Internacional forward lifted the Serie A title in 2011 while claiming a Supercoppa Italiana medal in the same campaign at the San Siro. Chelsea hope he can help their efforts in the Champions League with their Premier Legaue aspirations in tatters.

Speaking last month, Pato, who has been on loan at Sao Paulo recently, said: “One day I knew I would like to come to England because I think the championship is number one in the world.

“It is very competitive. I like the emotion in the English league.”