Chelsea have confirmed they have signed former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato on loan until the end of the season.
The reigning Premier League champions have been keen to bolster their offensive options following their dour start to the season that leaves them almost guaranteed not to finish in the top four.
Guus Hiddink’s side have been in talks to sign Pato since the start of the month and will have to fork out a reported £10m to make the switch from Corinthians permanent at the end of the season.
"I am so happy to sign for Chelsea," Pato told the club's official website. It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new teammates and cannot wait to play.
"I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans."
The Brazil international’s arrival is likely to offset the departure of Loic Remy from Chelsea, who has plenty of suitors in the Premier League and back in France.
Pato, who was once deemed one of the brightest talents in Europe, has spent the last three years rebuilding his career in Brazil. The 26-year-old finally put his injury concerns behind him for Sao Paulo last season, where he enjoyed his most prolific season for six years (10 goals).
He has the ability to play right the way across a front three, but hasn’t played a competitive match since the end of November so it may take him some time to come up to speed.
For more stats on Alexandre Pato, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
"...and will have to fork out a reported £10 to make the switch from Corinthians permanent...". £10 sounds about right.