Betis chasing Pizarro

Spaniards keen on Chelsea misfit

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Claudio Pizarro

Pizarro: Struggled in England

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Real Betis are hoping to persuade Claudio Pizarro to leave Chelsea and join them in a move which would make him the Spanish club's star signing this summer.

Incoming Verdiblanco chief, Luis Castel, wants to begin his reign at the helm by bringing in a player that will excite the fans, and has made the Peru international his No.1 target.

Marca believe that talks have already begun regarding a potential transfer, and Castel confirmed that the club are negotiating with a player, but refused to confirm or deny if it was Pizarro.

"We are talking with a great player, a striker that (coach Paco) Chaparro and all the fans will really enjoy having in the squad," he stated.

Burden

The 29-year-old striker is aware that the Blues are prepared to let him leave just a year after signing him from Bayern Munich, as he is not expected to feature in Luiz Felipe Scolari's plans.

Along with not wanting to keep a player in his squad that could become unhappy, Scolari will also have been advised by the club that his reported €4m-per-season wages are a considerable burden that they could do without.

Chaparro has called for Betis to strengthen if they want to avoid a campaign struggling against the drop, and has stated that a new striker is vital to their cause.

Pizarro may not have been a hit in West London, but his stock remains high on the continent and the Andalucian outfit will not be alone in their pursuit of the forward if their enquiries are met with a positive response.

According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain and Werder Bremen are also monitoring the situation and could be prepared to enter the race for Pizarro's signature.