Chelsea are reportedly confident of landing the permanent signature of Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus on a relatively cheaper price in the summer. The Argentina international joined the Blues on a temporary deal from the Bianconeri last month after they agreed to pay an initial loan fee of around €9m.
The 31-year-old has since fared decently with two goals from four matches for Chelsea and he was a threat against Manchester City in the previous weekend despite the Blues being on the wrong side of a 6-0 hammering at the Etihad Stadium.
According to ESPN FC, the west London side have the option of extending Higuain’s loan contract for another season for €18m or they could buy him outright from the Bianconeri for €36m during this summer’s transfer window.
However, the Capital outfit are growingly optimistic of reducing the asking price for the permanent transfer of Higuain, given the Bianconeri are desperate to get the Argentine off their wage bill at the earliest time of asking.
Despite this, the deal may be dependent on manager Maurizio Sarri remaining at the helm, given the striker was recruited by the west London side last month under the personal recommendation of the former Napoli boss.
Sarri’s position for the moment remains secure despite the recent 6-0 embarrassment at the Etihad Stadium but things could change during the forthcoming months, should the club distance themselves from their objective of securing Champions League football for next season.
The Blues are currently within top-four contention with just one point separating them from fourth-placed Manchester United but should they fail to make the cut, they can qualify for the elite competition by winning the Europa League altogether.
Neither of the two, it could be curtains for Sarri from the head coach position and that would present doubts regarding Higuain’s future at the club, given the Blues were initially reluctant to pursue him during the 2018 summer transfer window.
Image – Chelsea’s official website
