Chelsea must cough up £44 million to land Palermo star Javier Pastore.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini insisted the Blues were locked in a three-horse race for the attacking midfielder with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
He said: "Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are after Pastore.
"I told his agent to see what market there is for the player and he has probably spoken to some clubs.
"So at the end of the week we will meet to shed a bit of light on the future of the player."
The Palermo supremo claimed earlier this month that he had turned down a 'major offer' from Chelsea and insisted that Manchester City were also in the frame.
Pastore turns 22 next week and has eight caps.
