Maurizio Sarri has finalised his transfer wishlist ahead of January and heading that list is Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain. He is one of a few strikers who are on Chelsea’s radar, along with Callum Wilson as the Blues look to add that much-needed firepower to their talented squad.
Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud are simply not living up to expectations at Stamford Bridge having bagged just 12 goals between them this season across all competitions. According the Standard, Sarri wanted to bring his former striker to the club in the summer, but Abramovich was unwilling to spend such big money on a 30-year-old.
AC Milan then secured his signature on loan for £16 million but they will have to shell out £32 million if they are to make the move a permanent one this summer. Milan appear unlikely to take up that option however as they are under scrutiny from Financial Fair Play which could lead to Higuain’s loan being cut short.
This leaves the door open for Chelsea to come in and swoop their summer target at the second attempt. Italian journalists report that the Blues could offer their flop of a forward, Alvaro Morata, in exchange for the Higuain in January.
Morata was a lethal prospect in Serie A and could return to Italy if the deal goes through. At 26-years-old, he is a younger player Higuain and as Chelsea splashed £58 million on him he is considered a more valuable asset than the Argentine who is approaching the latter years of his career.
Sarri does not get on with Morata having called him ‘Mentally fragile’ in the past. Moving him on in the next few weeks would be a positive move from the Chelsea boss who would be able to get the best out of Higuain as he showed at Napoli.