Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague is of the opinion that Gonzalo Higuain is seriously considering the possibility of joining Chelsea as rumours of Diego Costa’s departure from the Blues refuses to die down.
Higuain has enjoyed a remarkably prolific season with Italian club Napoli. The Argentine has scored 33 goals in 34 Serie A games and comfortably leads the charts for the top scorer in the Italian league. The Argentine’s stellar showing has brought him back into the limelight with big clubs such as Chelsea rumoured to have bid for his services.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guillem Balague said, “Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48m (about £37.8m). 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.”
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Higuain had signed for Napoli from Real Madrid in 2013 as a replacement for departing striker Edinson Cavani. He scored 35 goals in his first two league campaigns in Naples and has come into is own this season, scoring more than 30 times for the club.
Higuain will be brought in to replace Diego Costa, who has struggled rediscover his last seasons’ form for the dethroned English champions. His goals had dragged Chelsea to the league title last year but has been able to net only 12 goals in the 2015-2016 league campaign.
Costa had joined Chelsea from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2014 for £32 million. He is reportedly unhappy at Chelsea and wants to rejoin the Los Rojiblancos who he left two seasons back. He would be the second such player, after Filipe Luis to return to Atletico after spending time with the London-based club.
Balague felt that Atletico would find it difficult to purchase the Brazilian turned Spanish striker from Chelsea as Costa would have to reduce his wage demands and Atletico would have to put up a huge offer for the striker.
Commenting on the possibility of Costa leaving Chelsea, Balague 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's determined to get him but it's not easy to get him as he will have to reduce his wages big time and I'm not sure Atletico will be able to put a huge offer on the table for him.”
Higuain to Chelsea would be a suitable move for Chelsea as they would be getting a world-class striker who is in the prime of his career while allowing themselves to get rid of the often inconsistent and ill-tempered Diego Costa who honestly suits Diego Simeone’s style of play more than the football expected at Chelsea
