Chelsea turn to Gilardino Friday 3 June, 2005
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Chelsea are in pole position to sign Alberto Gilardino after Parma reportedly accepted a £30m offer for the player.
It was believed that Milan were favourites to sign the striker, closely followed by new champions Juventus.
However, speculation suggests that the Premiership outfit are now leading the race, after they turned their attention to Gilardino following Inter’s refusal to sell Adriano.
Milan were hopeful of concluding a deal for the 23-year-old once Parma’s survival play-off games against Bologna were over.
They are believed to have already agreed terms with the player, while they were hopeful of reaching a deal with the Gialloblu over a transfer fee.
However, the Rossoneri are seemingly only prepared to offer around £20m – substantially lower than Chelsea’s alleged bid.
Gilardino himself has stated on many occasions that he would prefer to remain in Italy, but the London club are ready to offer him £5m-a-season for the next five years.
More should be known next week once Parma chief Luca Baraldi returns from his mini-holiday on Sunday evening.
Chelsea have admitted they want a new centre-forward and Gilardino’s record of scoring 23 League goals in each of the last two campaigns hasn’t gone unnoticed.
From Channel 4.....looks like Chelsea is going to get their man...