Chelsea are believed to be keen on Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain according to The Guardian, with Jose Mourinho’s side planning a £30 million-offer for the star striker.
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There is set to be a major transfer tussle for the Argentine hitman this summer, with the Blues’ Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal both believed to be keen on bringing the forward to the top flight.
According to the Metro, the Gunners have also opened talks for the forward—who has scored 53 goals over the last two season—but United too are keen on his signature, with the Metro also reporting that the Red Devils had contacted Napoli concerning the player.
Higuain has been a menacing presence in Serie A this season, scoring 18 goals in 37 league appearances and a further seven in 14 Champions League outings.
However, the 27-year-old’s season ended in disappointment when he missed a crucial penalty in Napoli’s Champions League decider against Lazio on the final day of the Serie A weekend. Rafael Benitez’s side ultimately lost the match 4-2—although Higuain did bag a brace—and will not be competing in Europe’s premier club competition next season.
The contest looks likely to be the striker’s last at the San Paolo, where the departure of Benitez—who was confirmed as Real Madrid’s boss on Monday [via BBC Sport]—may prompt an exodus from the Partenopei.
Higuain, who scored 107 goals in 190 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid, will contest the Copa America with Argentina this summer having previously featured for the Albiceleste in the 2014 World Cup final.
It remains to be seen what rumoured interest from Chelsea means for the Pensioners’ other mooted summer targets.
Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move for Radamel Falcao following the end of his disappointing loan spell at United [via the Daily Mail], while Antoine Griezmann has also been linked to the club via the Express.
With Diego Costa having confirmed that he wants to stay in West London [via L’Equipe], the reigning champions ought to have a menacing complement of attacking riches next season.