ANTONIO CONTE wants Alexandre Pato to stay at Chelsea.
The new Blues manager, who will take charge after leading Italy at Euro 2016, has told the Brazilian he has a future at Stamford Bridge.
Pato made his first appearance for the west Londoners 10 days ago, scoring from the spot after coming on as a sub in the 4-0 victory at Aston Villa.
He secured his first start for Chelsea on Saturday in their 1-0 defeat at Swansea, lasting until the 64th minute.
Pato, 25, is on loan from Brazil side Corinthians and the Stamford Bridge club would need to resign him in the summer.
Conte is well aware of the potential of Pato, who was seen as a golden boy in Italy early in his career.
After signing for Milan in the summer of 2007, he spent six seasons at the Serie A giants and in the 2010-11 season helped them to the title, being the club’s joint top scorer with 14 goals in 25 games.
Meanwhile, Conte is also understood to be also keen for keeper Thibaut Courtois to stay as his No.1 keeper.
There has been speculation over the Belgian’s future, especially after he hinted he was not sure whether he would be at the club next season.
The 23-year-old reportedly wants to return to Spain one day, where he spent three seasons with Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea.
Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Courtois, but the Blues have told them they would want a staggering £73m to sell.
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