Chelsea are preparing a move to sign Arsenal striker target Gonzalo Higuain. Tutto Mercato Web believes the Europa League champions will look to steal the Argentina international from under the noses of both the Gunners and Serie A champions Juventus.

A Real Madrid player, Higuain had a fine season with the Santiago Bernabeu club, even if the nine-time European champions lost their Spanish league title to Barcelona. The 25-year-old scored 16 times and created five more goals from 28 La Liga appearances. He has confirmed his wants to leave the Spanish capital this summer.

Gonzalo Higuain
Reuters

The Blues have re-appointed former manager José Mourinho, who stepped down from his post at the Bernabeu earlier this summer. The Special One, Tutto Mercato claims, has given up on long-time Stamford Bridge target Edinson Cavani of Napoli. Instead, the former Inter Milan boss has identified Higuain as a potential signing.

It is unclear if Madrid are willing to release the River Plate youngster, despite comments by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez. Higuain himself has made no secret of his desire to leave, claiming Madrid's fans never really appreciated his contribution.

"The decision has been made. I have several offers. I hope that [Madrid] do the best for me and for themselves," the forward explained.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has already made it clear that any club interested in signing the Argentina man will have to pay in excess of €30m. And Tutto Mercato believes sporting director Zinedine Zidane has set a €35m fee.

Higuain will likely replace Spanish international Fernando Torres in west London. The former Liverpool forward has been linked with a return to Spain and Barcelona.

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