Chelsea suffer another huge blow as target is set to jump ship
By Tushar Bahl
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is close to signing for rivals AC Milan on an initial loan deal.
According to Calciomercato, Higuain’s representatives held talks with Milan’s director of football Leonardo on Monday and the move is now close to competition.
The forward will join on an initial season long loan deal worth 20 million euros and the Rossoneri will have the option to buy him for 36 million euros next summer.
Gonzalo Higuain joined Juventus in 2016 from rivals Napoli for 90 million euros. The Argentina international scored 55 goals in 105 appearances for the Old Lady and helped them win the Serie A and the Coppa Italia in both his years at the club.
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However, following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, Higuain suddenly became expendable for Juventus.
The 30 year old is now set to join AC Milan and will be hoping to help change their fortunes after a disappointing year which saw them finish sixth in the Serie A.
Bonucci may come the other way.
While Juventus are set to lose Higuain, they could be reunited with Leonardo Bonucci. The centre back spent seven years with the Bianconeri before moving to AC Milan last summer for 42 million euros.
But he is now reportedly unsettled at Milan following the club’s failure to finish in the Champions League places and wants to return to Juventus. The problems surrounding the club’s ownership has further prompted him to ask for a return to his old club.
Yet ANOTHER blow for Chelsea.
Highly rated centre back Mattia Caldara could move in the opposite direction with the teams discussing a swap deal between the two players. Caldara joined Juventus last summer but spent last season on loan with Atalanta.
Both players are valued at 40 million euros by the two teams, meaning a straight swap could be made possible.
Chelsea were reportedly interested in signing both Higuain and Caldara, but look set to miss out now.
New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri wants to bolster his squad but has only been able to make one signing so far.
Next. Former Chelsea star looking for fresh Premier League start. dark
Who do you think Chelsea should pursue now?