According to reports, Gonzalo Higuain is pondering over a move to Chelsea in the summer amidst the uncertainty surrounding Diego Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Gonzalo Higuain has had a stellar season in Naples, scoring 33 goals in 34 Serie A games and leading the scoring charts in Italy. Higuaín has been a long time target for Chelsea and has consistently been linked with moves to the London outfit in recent seasons. The Argentina international has also been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, but the Blues seem to be in pole position to sign the former Real Madrid hitman.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said that the Argentine striker was considering a summer move to Stamford Bridge. Balague said, “Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48m.”
Guillem Balague also mentioned how this move centred around the future of Chelsea’s current first-choice striker Diego Costa. “Higuain is seriously considering it and if he does move to Stamford Bridge then there would be the possibility that Costa would have to be sold,” he said. Costa, like most of Chelsea’s players, has endured a torrid season. But since the arrival of Guus Hiddink, he has found some of his good form from last season and has now scored 12 times in the league and twice in the Champions League this season.
However, the Brazil-born Spain international is reportedly unhappy with life in London and yearns for a move back to Atletico Madrid. Ballague said: “It’s very difficult for Atletico Madrid, and Diego Simeone in particular. Simeone has told Atletico Madrid he only wants three players. Diego, Costa and Diego Costa.” He went on to say that even though they are determined to buy him, Costa would have to reduce his wage demands and it was unlikely that Atletico would be able to put up a huge offer for the Spanish international.
From Campania to Cobham
Since signing for Napoli in 2013 as a replacement for Edinson Cavani, Gonzalo Higuain has gone from strength to strength. He scored over 120 goals for Real Madrid over the course of 6 seasons before moving to Italy, and this season in particular has seen his emerge as one of the world’s top strikers. At 28, he is in his peak years and after proving himself in Italy and Real Madrid, the Argentine might be on the look out for a new challenge.
Chelsea have been interested in acquiring Higuain since he left Real Madrid and reports suggested that Chelsea tried to sign him in January as well. With Diego Costa’s future still unclear following a bad season, it is possible that he may move back to Atletico in the summer, paving the way for a Higuain transfer.
Even if that doesn’t happen, incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is known to use two strikers up front and Chelsea fans would relish the idea of seeing Costa and Higuain lead their team into a new season.
