Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has dealt Chelsea a blow in their pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain.
The 31-year striker, currently on a season-long loan with AC Milan, is reportedly a target for the Blues this January, with Maurizio Sarri keen on a reunion.
The former Napoli man managed the Argentina international for one season at the Stadio San Paolo, where Higuain scored 38 games in 42 appearances across all competitions, earning him a move to Juventus.
With Chelsea keen to add to their forward line, with Álvaro Morata misfiring this season, Higuain has been linked with a winter switch, however Sarri is more concerned with bringing in wingers – despite having already bought Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund.
However, Paratici thinks a transfer is unlikely. As quoted by Football.London, the Italian said:
He remains one of the best strikers in the world, he showed it in these seasons in Europe, he scored everywhere.
About his future, I think he’s important for AC Milan, he’s a great striker and they want to keep him.
I know very well Gonzalo, he is a simple and passionate guy who lives every situation with great enthusiasm. It can happen even to the best players not to score for four or five games.
