Chelsea sign Gonzalo Higuaín on initial loan deal | OneFootball

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of striker Gonzalo Higuaín, reuniting him with former boss Maurizio Sarri.

The 31-year-old has joined the Blues on loan until the end of the season. Subject to conditions, the move could be extended by a further 12 months.

“When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself I had to take it,” Higuaín told the club’s official website..

“It’s a team I’ve always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I’ve always wanted to play in.

“I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can’t wait to start and I hope to adapt as soon as possible.”

Higuaín previously worked with Sarri at Napoli, scoring 67 goals in 100 appearances during their time together.

The striker was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but joined Milan instead. The deal was initially a loan but included a €54m obligation to make it permanent at the end of the season.

“The esteem in which I hold Sarri isn’t new,” the Argentine said at the time.

“But the only person who wanted me there was him. Everyone wanted me here.”

Higuaín went on to score eight goals in 22 Milan appearances.

Now he will be expected to contribute heavily to Chelsea’s push for the top four and the club’s run in the Europa League.

The striker will wear the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge.