Chelsea set to discover if Pirlo will swap AC Milan for Stamford Bridge

05 August 2009 12:11
Chelsea should find out today (Wednesday) if AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo will be arriving at Stamford Bridge. The Serie A side are hoping to keep 30-year-old Pirlo but president Silvio Berlusconi, vice-president Adriano Galliani and manager Leonardo are meeting to discuss several issues ahead of the new season,including the sale of the Italy international. The Blues believed they could get their man with an offer of £12million plus striker Claudio Pizarro but Milan rejected the initial approach. The Italians are believed to have no interest in Peru international Pizarro but Chelsea will meet their new asking price as former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to bring in the midfielder to dictate the rhythm of the team when he employs his diamond formation. Pirlo's wages could still be a problem however, as he is paid a salary of £5.5m a year in Italy after tax. That would mean Chelsea having to pay Pirlo around £106,000 a week after tax to tempt him to come to Stamford Bridge. A compromise may have to be reached for that will make him the highest paid player at the club. It is understood that Pirlo is happy to move to Chelsea and Milan are prepared to sell him even though it may anger the fans having already seen the club sell Kaka to Real Madrid for £59m earlier this summer. 

Source: Daily_Mail