Chelsea’s search for a new striker could be about to end after reports in Spain claimed that Gonzalo Higuain has agreed to join the west London club.
Marca says that the Argentine, who is on loan at AC Milan from Juventus, has “accepted” a deal to join Chelsea. The move would see the 31-year-old reunite with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who was his manager at Napoli.
Marca adds that Higuain’s arrival at Chelsea would “open the door” for Alvaro Morata to leave Stamford Bridge this month.
Icardi interests Blues
Gonzalo Higuain is not the only Milan-based Argentine striker on Chelsea’s target list. The Blues are also interested in Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi. (Daily Mirror)
Eriksen and Hazard in Real’s sights
The Independent reports that Real Madrid are “planning a necessary overhaul” of their squad and want Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen or Chelsea’s Eden Hazard as their new playmaker. Eriksen is the more likely target and Real hope to seal a £100m deal for the Dane. However, Spanish newspaper AS says that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has slapped a £225m price tag on 26-year-old Eriksen.
Bayern increase offer for Hudson-Odoi
German giants Bayern Munich are intent on signing Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and have raised their offer to £35m. The 18-year-old has “reiterated his desire” to leave Stamford Bridge this month. (The Guardian)
Bilbao eye Herrera return
The Daily Mail reports that Athletic Bilbao want to bring Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera back to the club. Herrera, 29, left Bilbao in 2014. However, The Sun adds that United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep the Spaniard at Old Trafford.
Llorente also on Bilbao’s list
Another former Athletic Bilbao player linked with a move back to the Spanish club is Tottenham’s 33-year-old striker Fernando Llorente. Bilbao’s sporting director Rafa Alkorta said: “We are interested in Javi Martinez, Ibai [Gomez], Ander Herrera, Llorente. It’s obvious that any player that can play for Athletic is of interest to us.” (Daily Mirror)
Palace keen on Abraham loan
Crystal Palace are lining up a loan move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Aston Villa and this week he turned down a temporary switch to Wolves. (Daily Mirror)
Fulham plan triple raid on Chelsea
Three Chelsea players could make the short switch across SW6 to Fulham. It’s reported that Chelsea captain Gary Cahill is already on the verge of signing and Fulham have also shown Victor Moses and Danny Drinkwater around their training ground in a bid to convince them to move. (Love Sport Radio)
Guardiola wants Kompany to stay
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that he won’t be making any new signings in the January transfer window, but one deal that could be confirmed is a new contract for club captain Vincent Kompany. The Belgian defender, 32, has been at City since 2008 but his current contract runs out at the end of the season. When asked about a new deal for Kompany, Guardiola said: “We are considering it, we are talking about that. I would like it. He’s our captain, 11 years here. He’s one of the best central defenders I’ve ever seen.” (Daily Star)
