Chelsea Alexandre Pato: Five stars to follow Brazilian superstar to Stamford Bridge

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Chelsea completed one of the most high-profile signings of the January transfer window on Friday when they recruited Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato on loan.

The former AC Milan striker will spend the rest of the season with the Blues, and while he’s had his injury trouble in the past, at 26, he remains a player with his best years still ahead of him.

Indeed, a fine exploiter of space, a speedy operator and a superb finisher, Pato could be an ideal addition for the Pensioners as they look to make up for their underwhelming start to the campaign and climb up the Premier League table.

Expect Guus Hiddink to complete several more deals before the window comes to an end, with no shortage of players having been tipped for a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

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Matt Miazga: By the time you read this, the New York Red Bulls defender will have completed his move to Stamford Bridge, having reportedly completed his medical with Chelsea on Thursday night. However, while the centre-back—who has represented the United States national side—could be an ideal long-term prospect, is he the kind of player who could step in and make an impact immediately?

Nicolas Nkoulou: One player who could improve Chelsea’s central-defensive options immediately—particularly with Papy Djilobodji having departed and Gary Cahill reportedly edging for a move away—is Marseilles Nicolas Nkoulou. The centre-back’s contract comes to an end in the summer, and he represents an experienced and cultured option who could be signed at a bargain fee.

Aymen Abdennour: Another defender linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Valencia’s Abdennour, who would not only represent an option in the centre, but also in either full-back position. Could he allow Branislav Ivanovic to slip gracefully into retirement, either by replacing the Serbian outright or slotting in at left-back and allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to move across. However, it’s hard to imagine Gary Neville allowing the Moroccan defender to depart, with the hard-as-nails stopper having only arrived from AS Monaco during the summer.

Ezequiel Lavezzi: Having not signed a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain, veteran forward Lavezzi could be another cut-price option and short-term fix for the Blues. The attacker is understood to be tempted with a move back to Napoli, but both Chelsea and Liverpool are understood to be keen on his services.

Mauricio Pochettino: Beyond improvements on the pitch, the Blues are also looking for a new addition in the dug-out. Recent reports reveal that Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentine coach has shot up to the top of the Blues’ shortlist following his supreme work at White Hart Lane. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is understood to have offered the South American a new contract to extend his stay in North London, but will Poch be tempted by the bright lights of Stamford Bridge?

More Stories Alexandre Pato Aymen Abdennour Ezequiel Lavezzi Matt Miazga Mauricio Pochettino Nicolas N'Koulou