Samp reject Pazzini rumours

Reported Chelsea and Reds target to stay in Italy

By Simone Bargellini   Last updated: 17th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Samp reject Pazzini rumours

Pazzini : Man in the mask

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Sampdoria have moved to play down reports in both Italy and England that have suggested Giampaolo Pazzini could leave the club for either Chelsea or Manchester United in January.

The talented striker has flourished in Genoa since moving to Sampdoria in January of this year, with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti known to be an admirer.

Arsenal are also mooted as possible suitors as they look for a replacement for long-term injury victim Robin van Persie.

Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen personally checked on him during the Genoese derby earlier this month, prompting further speculation of a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti has since suggested such talk is premature and now Samp sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has reiterated his club's stance on the matter, with sought-after strike partner Antonio Cassano also set to stay.

"Pazzini and Cassano away in January? No way, and also for the future, they remain important elements of our project," he told Sky Italia.

Pazzini's words were echoed by Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone: "In January we'll be spectators, we don't have specific interests, because I'm very happy with the current Samp squad."