Chelsea has yet to lose under interim manager Guus Hiddink, and while a push for a second consecutive Premier League title seems be unlikely, the club has been rumored to make a move before the January transfer window closes.
It was reported last week that the club might be acquiring Brazilian striker Alex Pato from the Corinthians. Alexandre Pato traveled to London on Tuesday for a physical with the Chelsea staff, and a passing physical and acquisition of a work permit seem to be the only things holding a deal back, according to The Guardian.
It's expected that Pato will sign a six-month loan from his Brazilian club, The Telegraph reported. If that happens, Chelsea will take on Pato's weekly $44,000 contract.
While Pato may be on his way to Stamford Bridge, French striker Loic Remy and Brazilian midfielder Ramires are on their way out, The Guardian noted.
Ramires hasn't played in four matches since Hiddink took over the club but is being sold to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning for $21.7 million. The addition of Pato would make Ramires expandable. Newcastle is eager to take on Remy but may have to contend with offers from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, according to the Mirror.
If the Blues fail to acquire Pato, there is a solid back up plan in the works. The club has been linked to 32-year-old Robin Van Persie, according to ESPN. The Dutch international is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent time with Arsenal and Manchester United, and he has been "miserable" since leaving United for Turkish side Fenerbahce, The Express reported.
Chelsea has struggled this year, currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, but the club has been in good form as of late, beating Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday. It seems possible that the Blues will trot out some new faces in their next match on Feb. 3 against Watford.
