From The TimesJ une 10, 2009
Chelsea launch £45 million bid for Argentina striker Sergio Aguero
Chelsea are willing to pay around £45m for Aguero, but the player will have to lower his wage demands of £100,000-a-week net
Gary Jacob, James Ducker
Chelsea made a resounding statement of intent last night when they launched a £45 million bid for Sergio Agüero, the Atlético Madrid striker.
Agüero has been coveted by some of Europe’s top clubs, but Carlo Ancelotti hopes to conclude his first transfer since taking over as manager to make up for the disappointment of being unable to sign Kaká, who joined Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old has cut a reputation as one of the most skilful second strikers around and could potentially be an excellent foil for Didier Drogba. He scored 17 goals last season to boot.
Off the pitch, he gained fame when he paired up with Giannina, daughter of his Argentina coach, Diego Maradona, and they had a baby boy in February. Benjamin was taken to his first game at the age of two weeks and watched his father score twice as Atlético beat Barcelona.
Pini Zahavi has been brokering the deal with Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, showing that the Israeli super-agent has strengthened his influence in Chelsea’s biggest transfers.
The offer is likely to include payments based on appearances and success at Stamford Bridge, and is some way below the £51.5 million buyout clause that Agüero has in his Atlético contract.
Chelsea held talks at the weekend with José Segui, who works for IMG, Agüero’s representative. The sticking point could be his salary demands of about £100,000 a week net, which Chelsea are unwilling to meet.
Alexandre Pato, the AC Milan and Brazil forward, has left the door open for a move to Chelsea, and a reunion with his former coach after saying that his future will be resolved this month.
The 19-year-old, who scored 15 timkes for Milan last season, said: “Before I decide my future, I want to talk to Ancelotti and then Milan officials. He is an extraordinary man. It’s thanks to Ancelotti that I have been able to emerge at C Milan.â€
