GUUS HIDDINK has insisted that the signing of Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is not a gamble for Chelsea.
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| Alexandre Pato, Loic Remy, Gry Cahill, Matt Miazga |
The 26-year-old’s move from Corinthians on loan for the rest of the season to Chelsea is expected to be completed on Monday after a work permit is obtained – the hearing is later today but no problems are expected - as well as international clearance.
Chelsea have an option to buy the former AC Milan player at the end of the loan deal for £12million, but Pato has not played since November.
Hiddink, who takes his side to Championship side MK Dons in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, said: ““It's not a gamble. Coming on loan makes it possible to have a good view of Pato, whether he's able to adapt to the high demands of the club and the league.
“We'll give him all the support in this, but it's up to him. If you buy these players, with all respect to him, then it's more of a risk. Taking him on loan is good for everyone, to see whether he's happy at this club and if the club are happy with him.
“It will take him a while. He cannot yet be fully fit because Corinthians were only in pre-season preparations right now.
“He is in London. The deal is at the paperwork stage. We'll see how long it takes to solve before he gets on the pitch. Once the transfer window is over, everyone can focus on what he wants to do.”
Pato’s arrival looks certain to mean the departure of France forward Loic Remy before Sunday’s January transfer deadline, with Newcastle ready to pay the £8 million fee – but also bidding to take the striker on loan.
Hiddink said: “Remy has a slight calf injury right now. We'll see what happens in the upcoming hours. But I don't think being injured now has any influence on whether he stays or goes.”
The Chelsea interim manager though revealed he had talks with unsettled England defender Gary Cahill, who revealed he was considering his future ay the club this week, after not getting enough game time.
Hiddink said: “Gary is of big value and will prove that in the upcoming time. If players are not playing frequently, they must get frustrated.
“I spoke to him a few days ago about the situation, which I like to do always with my key players. He's not to be considered second choice. He's of big importance and will be, with the multitude of games coming up.
““He was very open and very clear. He would love to stay at this club. There was no single space left by him to say he wasn't happy. He's very happy here, but he's not playing. And that gives him a bit of frustration, which is normal. But I like his attitude in training, never giving up, and that will always be rewarded. There was no hint that he wants to leave.
”He's of value. As far as I'm concerned, I will have him in the upcoming months and the club will have him in the upcoming years. He signed a new contract recently which is a signal he loves the club and likes to be here.”
Chelsea are also poised to compete the £3.5m signing of New York Red Bulls US international defender Matt Miazga in the next 24 hours, after the 20 year old passed a medical on Thursday.
Hiddink said: ”We're not rushing, but he will one of the squad members for the future. A young guy stepping up We'll see what he is capable of in training - let's see if he can adapt to the high demands of this club and the Premier League.”
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