Milan deny Pato Chelsea link

AC Milan have rubbished reports they are in talks with Chelsea over Alexandre Pato and have reiterated their stance that the striker is “non transferable”.

Pato has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, now managed by former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, all summer and the Rossoneri turned down a “monster offer” for the Brazil forward over a month ago.

Fresh reports today suggested Chelsea were close to sealing a deal for Pato, which would see the Barclays Premier League club shell out €52m and loan the 19-year-old back to Milan for the upcoming season.

However, the Rossoneri have dismissed the story outright with a statement on their website, www.acmilan.com.

It read: “With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable.”

Pato, who is under contract until June 2012, finished as Milan’s second highest scorer behind Kaka in Serie A last season with 15 goals in 36 appearances.

It is unlikely the Rossoneri would be swayed by a huge offer having already cashed in around €65m from the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid at the beginning of the summer.