Transfer News and Rumours of the day: 18 November 2015

#2 Serie A

Gonzalo Higuain has been seen as Chelsea’s prime target for January transfer window

- Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has played down rumours of exiting the Italian side in the upcoming transfer window. Higuain’s agent, who is also his brother, told TuttoNapoli that ‘they are happy with Naples and has no intention of leaving the club anytime soon’.

This could serve as a huge blow for English Champions Chelsea, who were interested in landing the Argentina international at Stamford Bridge next summer. Reports suggest that the Blues are looking to offload both Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa at the end of the season. Higuain had been identified as one of the prime transfer targets as the January transfer window drew near.

- Reigning Serie A champions Juventus are keen on acquiring the services of Southampton’s Graziano Pelle and Chelsea midfielder Oscar, according to Daily Mail. Pelle has been a success ever since he made a move from Feyenoord to the St.Mary’s Stadium. The Italian striker still has 18 months left on his contract and has hinted at a return to Italy.

Juve are understood to be in London to discuss a permanent deal with Chelsea for Juan Cuadrado, who has been on loan, and will use the opportunity to discuss Oscar's situation too. However, the move for both Pelle and the Brazil international seems unlikely as the club will struggle to meet the financial demands for both deals.

- Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with the French champions is expiring at the end of the current campaign and Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport believe the Swedish icon's former club AC Milan have 'stepped forward again with a good chance of success'.

In the month of June, the Parisian’s all-time leading goalscorer will be free to choose his next club, and the Rossoneri are in position to bring him back to the San Siro. Ibrahimovic is free to sign a pre-contract in January itself.