Although Carlo Ancelotti would like him at Chelsea, Spanish newspapers claim Andrea Pirlo is determined to join Atletico Madrid.
New boss Ancelotti takes over at Stamford Bridge on Monday and is said to have been given a £60m transfer kitty to spend.
He stated that Pirlo was one of the players he’d bring with him from Milan, while the Rossoneri are prepared to sell the midfielder for £15m.
However, Spanish newspapers are confident he prefers Atletico Madrid for several different reasons.
Marca suggests the tempo of La Liga suits his style more and his family are also happier in the climate of Madrid rather than London.
“We are relaxed and waiting to make our move on the transfer market,” commented Atletico President Enrique Cerezo.
“We are ready to sign some great players.”
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani is already in Madrid right now for talks with Real over Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, so could use the venue to discuss Pirlo’s Atletico switch too.
Their other forward target is also in Spain, as Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano has publicly begged for the chance to join Milan for around £18m.
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