Argentina playmaker Javier Pastore has completed his long-protracted departure from Palermo, after PSG announced his arrival in a deal worth €42 million.

Pastore, 22, has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe over the past 18 months, attracting interest from the likes of AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, Palermo president Mauro Zamparini repeatedly stated that he would not allow his prized asset to go on the cheap and he has got his wish after PSG, backed by the deep pockets of their Qatari owners, shelled out €42 million to bring the talented midfielder to the Parc des Princes.

Chelsea were believed to have stepped up their interest in Pastore in recent weeks but were pipped to the post by ambitious PSG, who secured his services on a five-year contract.

“Javier Pastore signed on Saturday afternoon for five seasons with PSG. He will wear number 27,” a statement on PSG’s official website said. “The Argentine midfielder (22) will be presented to the press on Monday afternoon at the Parc des Princes.”

Pastore’s arrival breaks PSG’s previous transfer record – the €33.5 million they paid Real Madrid for Nicolas Anelka in 2000.

The Ligue 1 side will be hoping to challenge for major honours both domestically and in the Europa League this season after also signing Momo Sissoko, Milan Bisevac, Jeremy Menez, Blaise Matuidi, Salvatore Sirigu, Kevin Gameiro and Nicolas Douchez.

Ahead of his move, Pastore told Eurosport: “What I am experiencing is very nice. This will be an important moment in my career, the most important so far.

“I am not joining a league as big as England or Spain, but Le Championnat de France will bring me a lot on a personal level and for my sporting improvement.

“At Chelsea or in another club, I would have not played as often as I could hope. I believe at Paris I will play and will be able to show my value.”

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Palermo failed to reach the final qualifying round of the Europa League after they were edged out by Thun on away goals.

Pablo Gonzalez put the Serie A side ahead four minutes into the first half, but Dario Lezcano’s equaliser ensured Swiss club Thun saw off Palermo as the aggregate score finished at 3-3.

Atletico Madrid cruised past Stromsgodset after a 2-0 victory in Norway. Adrian Lopez opened the scoring before a late goal by Jose Antonio Reyes wrapped up the success.

An own goal from Ljubo Milicevic saw Stoke advance at Hajduk Split’s expense. The Potters had triumphed in the first leg by a goal to nil, and Milicevic’s injury-time mistake notched another 1-0 win to rubber-stamp success.

Dinamo advanced courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate victory over Varazdin. Having drawn the first leg 2-2, a 2-1 away triumph in the second leg proved enough for Dinamo.

Club Brugge progressed despite suffering 1-0 second leg loss against Qarabag as the aggregate score read 4-2 in their favour following a convincing first meeting display.

Bursaspor eased into the next phase thanks to a 5-2 aggregate win over Gomel. The Turkish club came from a goal down to claim a 3-1 scalp in their second meeting with Gomel.

Two late goals from Rennes ensured their tie versus Metalurgi Rustavi sealed a 7-2 success for the French club. Julien Feret and substitute Victor Montano grabbed the goals.

FC Red Bull Salzburg sailed into the next round as they beat Senica 3-0 in their second leg encounter, having won the first clash 1-0. Alan helped himself to a brace while Leonardo also got in on the scoring.

Elsewhere, Danish side Brondby saw off Ried while Maccabi Tel Aviv hammered Zeljeznicar 6-0.

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Javier Pastore has announced his intention to sign for Paris St Germain, ending Chelsea’s hopes of luring the Palermo midfielder to Stamford Bridge.

Pastore had been tracked by Chelsea for most of the summer, but the new spending power and future plans of Ligue 1 side PSG has proved decisive.

“You can officially say that I will be a Paris St Germain player, although I still need to do the medical and review some details,” Pastore revealed on his personal website. “I want to be a part of Paris St Germain, which is a great club with a great history.”

The Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the capital club two months ago and since then there has been a revolution both on and off the pitch. Leonardo left Inter Milan after just half a season to become the club’s sporting director before reeling off a host of new signings.

“Marcelo (Simonian, his agent) and I were talking about this. I care very much about the sporting project, that is why. I talk about it a lot,” said the Argentina international. “I am very eager to begin this new phase. They explained the project and immediately seduced me to the challenge.

“Winning the league and the cup – I want the team to succeed in everything. In particular I will give my best in every game. It makes me immensely happy that they trusted me.”

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Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has revealed that a €43 million deal has been completed for midfielder Javier Pastore to join Paris St Germain.

PSG boss Antoine Kombouare, on Friday, would not speculate on the deal with Palermo sources also claiming that the player’s agent was still negotiating with Chelsea over a move.

However, it now seems as if the French club have stolen a march on their English counterparts as Zamparini told Radio Radio.”[We] closed the deal last night (Friday) around midnight. Basically it’s the official transfer of Pastore to Paris St Germain based on a €43 million [fee].”

He added to RMC: ”I spoke with Leonardo. I think this afternoon it will be an official communication on the website of PSG. It is between €42 and €43 million. Pastore is happy. I advised him to go to Paris because it is the most beautiful city in the world and I think the PSG will become one of the best clubs in the world with Leonardo and the Prince of Qatar.”

PSG, who have former Milan boss Leonardo as their new sporting director, have embarked on a summer spending spree since the Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the club almost two months ago.

Six new players have arrived at the Parc de Princes, with Salvatore Sirigu and Mohamed Sissoko officially unveiled on Friday as the latest of them, with French trio Blaise Matuidi, Jeremy Menez and Kevin Gameiro joining already.

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