Chelsea Transfer News: Stephan El Shaarawy Won't Join Blues?
talkSPORT. The 20-year old, known as "The Pharaoh", has emerged as one of Europe's brightest young talents and has attracted interest from a string of Europe's leading clubs on the back of his second full season with the Rossoneri. El Shaarawy netted 19 times in 46 appearances last season and has forged a close relationship with strike partner and ex-Manchester City star Mario Balotelli. Chelsea are in the market for a new striker and hoped El Shaarawy could come in as an alternative for Edinson Cavani of Napoli, after the Blues gave up on signing the Uruguayan. Uncertainty also continues to mount over the futures of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba. Torres was used in a failed player-plus-cash offer for Cavani while Ba could be set for a loan spell at West Brom. Reports suggest the Italian international is firmly within Chelsea's sights, but Milan have responded to the rumours by claiming El Shaarawy is going nowhere. A resolute statement on the clubs official website read:
"There has been a meeting between Adriano Galliani, Stephan El Shaarawy and the young star's entourage." "Everything went well. Stephan has always been an AC Milan fan and has reiterated his determination to continue playing for the Rossoneri. "That pledge was reciprocated by Milan, with conviction. Milan and El Shaarawy will move forward together, as they have since 2011. "No more talk of the transfer market, no more rumours. "AC Milan, the Rossoneri colours and the 'Faraone' will absolutely continue on together."Chelsea will be disappointed to miss out on El Shaarawy, with this crushing news coming on the same day they officially abandoned their plans to sign Cavani.