Sampdora rule out Pazzini switch

The 25-year-old Italian international has netted 19 goals in 38 Serie A appearances since arriving from Fiorentina in January 2009.

And as a result, Chelsea, Arsenal and United have all been linked with the goal-getter - who netted a hat-trick for Italy U21s against their English counterparts in the first competitive fixture at the new Wembley Stadium in March 2007.

Despite Blues' boss Carlo Ancelotti's insistence that Chelsea will not be signing anyone in January, reports have continued to tip the Stamford Bridge side to swoop for Pazzini to cover for Didier Drogba and Saloman Kalou - currently in Angola participating at the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Sampdoria have stated that they do not want to sell their star striker.

“We will not give Pazzini now, 99 percent he will not go away," said sporting director Giuseppe Marotta.

“I have already met the shareholders and there is no problem.

"Chelsea? There is an interest but a deal is something very different.

"If Pazzini can leave in June? There is so much time between now and June, it is still too early to talk about it."

Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he is on the lookout for a forward during the winter window following injuries to Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo, which has resulted in Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin playing as a makeshift striker.

While Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson may move for a forward to support Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen in attack, following the news that Dimitar Berbatov could require an operation on his knee.

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.