Juventus are exploring the idea of offering striker Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea as their interest in Alvaro Morata grows.
According to the London Evening Standard, Juventus are ready to offer star striker Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea, hoping that it could prove to be a sweetener in any deal for the transfer of Blues’ striker Alvaro Morata. Juventus have reportedly reignited their interest in the Spanish striker and want to bring him back to the club where he became so important.
Juventus and Morata were together for two years till Real Madrid triggered a buy-back clause in his contract in 2016. By then Morata had grown on to become a key player for the Turin club, and now Juventus are exploring the opportunity to bring him back.
Morata completed his move to Chelsea last summer in what was a record deal for the Blues when they paid €58 million to Real Madrid for his services. The Spaniard, however, has not performed at expected levels at Stamford Bridge and managed to score only 15 goals in the entire season, despite notching eight in his first nine games with Chelsea.
Chelsea are reportedly looking at other striking targets and a partner for Olivier Giroud, who seems to have convinced the club that he could be a vital player. Morata’s season ended in disaster as he was overlooked for many crucial matches including the FA Cup Final, which Chelsea won against Manchester United.
A sudden loss of form and Antonio Conte not preferring him to start games also took a toll on his confidence. The big blow, however, came when he was overlooked for Spain’s World Cup squad. In the aftermath of that snub, Morata is believed to be exploring his options in the off-season and might be on his way out of Chelsea.
An imminent return to Italy is being touted and Juventus remain the clear favourite, especially after Morata and his agent were spotted with Juventus Director Fabio Paratici. Morata is also linked with a move to AC Milan and Inter Milan, to whom Chelsea are ready to make their own exchange offer of Morata for Mauro Icardi
Juventus, however, are trying to take the lead in this chase by offering Gonzalo Higuain in any deal for Morata. The Argentine has been a prolific scorer in Italy from when he played for Napoli and now Juventus. He has scored 55 goals so far for the Turin club, and now Juventus feel he could be expendable.
It is reported that Juventus initially wanted a two-year-loan deal for Morata, but it was clear that Chelsea will not sanction any loan move. Higuain could be an excellent capture for Chelsea too, as they are also looking to replace Morata in the summer and are also on the trail of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
The Argentine earns an estimated £125,000 per week and it should not represent a problem for Chelsea, even if they have to upgrade that salary. Morata, on the other hand, reportedly earns £160,000 at Chelsea and Juventus might want to match that salary if they wish for Morata in their ranks.
