Chelsea open to signing South American forward: A wise move by Sarri?

Chelsea‘s first season under Maurizio Sarri could still be a success as the Blues have a Europa League final to play later in the month.

With the club facing a transfer ban, however, things might get slightly complicated for the gaffer in the transfer window. So much so that we might see one of the winter signings, Gonzalo Higuain, continuing at Chelsea next season, by the look of things.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Chelsea might hold on to Gonzalo Higuain even if a transfer ban is imposed on the Blues since the agreement for the loan extension or the buy option was signed before the ban was imposed by FIFA.

Sarri brought the Argentine to Stamford Bridge in January, and looks keen to secure the forward for the next season.

Higuain for another season might not be a smart move

Higuain was one of the hottest properties in football at a time and has played for some European heavyweights in his career. While the numbers he has stacked on his CV playing for the likes of Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus are certainly extraordinary, from a past season or two he has never looked like his former self with the age catching up to him.

Sarri has a special relationship with the Argentine from his days with Napoli and wants to keep him. Considering his hot and cold form after signing for the club in January, it looks like Higuain might not be a smart option for the Blues.

The Argentine does tend to bring more balance to the Italian’s system, but there are many limitations to his play ranging from his aerial ability to his defensive contribution.

With Hazard looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid, this Chelsea side might suffer without a consistent goal-getter in the final third.

Higuain can help the side with his link-up play, but one of the best attributes of the Argentine a few years ago, his finishing, has gone downhill as he mustered just 7 goals in 20 appearances for Chelsea. In fact, none of Sarri’s forwards — Alvaro Morata, Olivier Giroud, and Higuain – managed a consistent run of games where they found the back of the net.

One can only hope that Higuain can live up to Sarri’s faith and give Chelsea an edge over their opponents next season, but from where we are right now it looks less likely to happen.