PSG snap up Pastore in €43m deal

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed yesterday they have sealed the transfer of Argentine international playmaker Javier Pastore from Palermo in a deal worth a record 43 million euros ($62 million).

A club source confirmed to AFP that Pastore will become the most expensive signing ever in French football, eclipsing the 33.5 million euros that PSG paid to bring Nicolas Anelka from Real Madrid in 2000.

The 22-year-old becomes the eighth new recruit at PSG this summer, bringing the transfer tally at Parc des Princes during the close season to over 84 million euros – another record beating the 77.5 million euros that Lyon paid for four players in the summer of 2009.

Earlier ANSA news agency reported that the agreement had been struck in London late Friday night, citing Palermo’s president Maurizio Zamparini.

According to ANSA, the player’s annual salary will be in the region of four million euros.

The Parisian club, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, are expected to officially unveil the Argentine midfielder in the coming days on a five-year deal.

PSG are in London to compete in Emirates Cup against Arsenal, New York Red Bulls and Boca Juniors.

PSG boss Antoine Kombouare has embarked on a summer spending spree since the Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the club almost two months ago.

Pastore has been one of the most coveted players in world football and his transfer to Parc des Princes would announce PSG’s arrival as serious players on the European scene. He was also being tracked by Chelsea.

He played 35 matches for Palermo in Serie A last season, scoring 11 goals.