AC Milan

Tiemoue Bakayoko has taken to Instagram amid reports he told AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso to "f--k off" during the Rossoneri's 2-1 win over Bologna on Monday.

Per The Independent's Luke Brown, Gattuso went to bring on Bakayoko in the first half following an injury to Lucas Biglia, but the Italian said that after "seven or eight minutes, he still had not put on his shin pads," so he opted to use Jose Mauri instead.

Bakayoko gave his account of the events on Instagram (h/t Brown):

"Despite starting on the bench I was ready to give 200 per cent even if I only played five minutes tonight.

"When Lucas [Biglia] began to suffer on the ground, I was asked to prepare for the change. So I prepared myself immediately and went to warm up for a maximum of two to three minutes.

"Then I was asked to return to the bench. everything passes I think between 23 and 26 minutes.

"It was when I sat on the bench that the coach spoke to me in unexpected terms and I only repeated his words. Nothing more."

Reports quickly followed a heated confrontation between coach and player on the bench, in which Bakayoko appeared to tell Gattuso to "f--k off:"

Bakayoko refused to come on, or at least refused to get ready immediately.

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 6, 2019

Tiémoué Bakayoko refused to come on as a substitute this evening for AC Milan vs. Bologna following an injury to Lucas Biglia - he wanted more time to warm-up, according to Sky Italia. Genaro Gattuso brought on Josè Mauri instead.

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 6, 2019

In his Instagram statement, Bakayoko added:

"Let me be clear: I have never refused to come into play and I do not have to drag myself to warm up. It seems to me that the images speak for themselves.

"I had only one desire which was to enter the field and help my team-mates as I have always done and as I will do until the end of the season. Forza Milan."

Bakayoko has been on loan with Milan from Chelsea this season after a disappointing debut campaign with the Blues.

After a somewhat rocky start at the San Siro, the 24-year-old had settled into some strong form in recent months.

Premier Sports shared one of the highlights of a fine performance he put in during Milan's 1-0 win over Lazio in April:

Bakayoko 👉 ✨🎩

Lucas Leiva 👉💥😡#SerieA pic.twitter.com/pIAXXOpaTR

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 13, 2019

However, Monday's incident capped what had already been a week to forget for the Frenchman, per Mediaset (h/t Bleacher Report's Alex McGovern):

Incredible, if Mediaset are correct, Bakayoko's turned up an hour late for training, got the whole squad sent on a 5-day training retreat, said he ran out of petrol, and now is getting fined €90K and not getting signed permanently. https://t.co/kUdj05wN82

— Alex McGovern (@AlexMcGovern11) May 2, 2019

Milan have three matches remaining this season, all against bottom-half sides, and along with AS Roma they're three points behind fourth-place Atalanta in Serie A.

Picking up maximum points will be vital if they are to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season.

Whether Bakayoko features for the Rossoneri again in this campaign could offer an indication as to whether he might remain at the club this summer.

AC Milan are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino this summer.

According to John Richardson of the Sunday Mirror, the Serie A giants are considering a move to tempt the coach away from Spurs as they seek to push themselves back among Italian football's elite sides.

Spurs will reportedly look to tempt Pochettino away from Tottenham with the promise of £300 million to spend on new players this summer.

"Former Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis won't go quietly after being lured to Milan with the mandate of bringing trophies back to the famous old club," it's noted. "Current boss Gennaro Gattuso's reign is coming to an end after an uninspiring season in which they are scrambling to qualify for next season's Champions League."

Pochettino has reportedly been linked with both Manchester United and Real Madrid this season. However, both clubs decided to go in different directions, appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Zinedine Zidane, respectively.

As Sport Witness relayed, Corriere dello Sport also reported earlier this week that Milan wanted to land the Tottenham boss:

Mauricio Pochettino | Former Arsenal chief Gazidis wants Tottenham manager at AC Milan, better fit than Klopp.

Corriere dello Sport have had a blast of unbridled optimism. https://t.co/WTsgeDQHGS #thfc #coys pic.twitter.com/8QykpJXmxc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 5, 2019

It would be a surprise if Pochettino did pick this summer to move away from north London, especially given Spurs have just moved into their new stadium. The club got off to a winning start at their new venue on Wednesday against Crystal Palace:

🏙️ 🎇 What a night... #SpursAreHome ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/fN3PIBxLqy

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 6, 2019

With the new stadium, a top-four battle in the Premier League and a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City still to come, the end of this campaign has the potential to still be exciting for Spurs.

Pochettino will be disappointed in the way Tottenham have faltered in the Premier League, but it's a testament to his managerial skill they remain in the hunt for major honours.

Per Agence France-Presse's Kieran Canning and Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, the money spent at Spurs doesn't compare with the sums other Premier League juggernauts splash out:

The scale of Pochettino's job at Tottenham laid bare in those accounts. Wage bill half that of United (148 v 296m) , just 3m more than Everton! And nearly 100m less than Chelsea

— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) April 4, 2019

Pochettino has been saying you can't compare Tottenham and Liverpool for the best part of the week and there is yet more evidence in the fact tgat Spurs spent about £11m on agents' fees in comparison to Liverpool's £43m. Wow.

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 4, 2019

Although AC Milan are one of the most historic clubs in the game, they are currently a long way short of challenging Juventus at the summit of the Italian top flight. Following Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Bianconeri they are in fourth, a point ahead of Atalanta, who have a game in hand.

The financial incentives would have to be enormous to convince Pochettino to make the move, especially given he's worked meticulously to build the side he currently has at Spurs. With the new stadium sorted, surely the manager will be promised some overdue investment in his squad this summer.

Sevilla loanee Andre Silva says he would like to rejoin AC Milan, but only if he'll play regularly for the Rossoneri. 

Silva signed for Milan in a €38 million (£33.6 million) deal in 2017, but after scoring 10 goals in his first season—only two of which came in 24 Serie A appearances—he was loaned to Sevilla last summer for this campaign.

The striker told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):

"I want do well here first and then wait. If it was up to me, I'd go and play for the best team in the world.

"If they tell me to choose between playing as a starter at Sevilla or go back to Milan without playing, my preference is obvious.

"However I'm in the middle of two situations: I'm fine here and I'm a Milan player. I'm not thinking about my future, otherwise I get distracted."

Silva also said he has remained in contact with the Rossoneri and admitted he misses Italy.

"If Sevilla sign me then it's because they have faith me and think I can do well, but it's still too early," he added. "I haven't done anything yet. The present will ultimately impact on the future. I just want to play and be happy."

The Portugal international has already surpassed last season's goal tally having netted 11 times, with nine coming in La Liga.

ESPN's David Cartlidge believes Sevilla would be wise to make his stay in Spain permanent:

Seems strange many had Silva written off as a bust. Just 23-years-old still. Genuinely has the potential to be the complete centre-forward. Scores, creates, works hard off the ball. Often on his own too.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) December 16, 2018

Silva likely feels he has unfinished business at the San Siro, but returning and commanding a starting berth there could be difficult.

Milan brought in Krzysztof Piatek in January after Gonzalo Higuain cut short his loan from Juventus and went to Chelsea.

The Pole had scored 19 goals in 21 matches for Genoa, and he has maintained that form since making his move last month:

Krzysztof Piątek's first three starts for AC Milan:

️⚽️️⚽️ vs. Napoli
️⚽️ vs. Roma
️⚽️ vs. Cagliari

No.9 shirt loading... pic.twitter.com/bIY2tqygYA

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 10, 2019

Silva has so far been a strong acquisition for Sevilla, so it's likely he'll have the option of remaining there beyond this campaign if he continues to perform in the coming months.

A good season could tempt Milan into bringing him back into the fold, but unless they plan to use Piatek and Silva in the same system, he'd likely be playing second fiddle to the newer arrival.

Tiemoue Bakayoko has admitted he's open to turning his loan spell with AC Milan into a permanent move away from Chelsea, after describing the Serie A side as a "legendary club." 

The Blues midfielder spoke to French publication Nice Matin (h/t Football.London's Oliver Harbord) about how well he's taken to life at the San Siro:

"There wasn't a turning point. I just wanted to show that I was good enough for a big club. Milan are on a different planet. I was greeted by Maldini and Leonardo on my first day and you immediately realise who you're dealing with.

"Then you have the atmosphere at San Siro, which is extraordinary. Milan are a legendary club. Who wouldn't like to stay at a club like Milan for a long time? Having said that, I'm still under contract with Chelsea for the next three years. I don't have all the cards."

This isn't the first time Bakayoko has talked up extending his stay in Milan recently. He told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Rich Jones of the Daily Mirror) staying with the club is "my dream."

Bakayoko sounds more enamoured with his stint in the Italian top flight than he was with his brief and ill-fated spell in west London. The powerhouse France international moved to Stamford Bridge from AS Monaco in 2017 for a fee of £40 million.

He had helped Monaco finish the 2016/17 campaign as winners of Ligue 1. His combination of physicality, drive and technique helped the 24-year-old seem like the complete midfielder.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, Bakayoko's instinct for goal, eye for a pass and energy deserted him once he arrived in the Premier League. He struggled for playing time and couldn't make an impact in the final third or as a screen for the Chelsea defence after holding player Nemanja Matic was sold to Manchester United the same summer Bakayoko arrived.

Even though he won the FA Cup, Bakayoko's confidence appeared shattered and making his exit after just one season felt inevitable and welcome rather than a disappointing surprise for both club and player.

Joining the Rossoneri has prompted an upturn in Bakayoko's belief in himself. He recently compared himself to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who was briefly on Milan's books before decorated spells with the Gunners, Juventus, Inter Milan and France.

Bakayoko said he's "most like" Vieira because of his height, strength and skill, during an interview with Milan TV (h/t Football Italia). It's a lofty comparison, especially from a player who is yet to register an assist or score a goal this season.

The lack of production might have Chelsea fans hoping Bakayoko gets his wish to become a Milan player full time. After all, the Blues are already well-stocked in the middle of the park thanks to deep-lying pass-masters Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic.

N'Golo Kante remains a capable destroyer, while Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Danny Drinkwater provide depth. There doesn't appear to be room for Bakayoko in the plans of Maurizio Sarri, the former Napoli manager who prizes comfort in possession above all other qualities in his midfielders.

Chelsea would likely welcome a bid from Milan for Bakayoko. However, he's going to need to turn being content in Italy into better performances to encourage the Rossoneri to make his dream of a permanent transfer happen.

AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has spoken of his desire to keep on-loan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko at the San Siro.

After a tough start to life in Italy, the Chelsea man has impressed during his season-long loan, and Gattuso has outlined just how keen he is for the 24-year-old to stay, per FourFourTwo.

"At this moment we cannot do without him, he must remain at Milan," he told reporters ahead of his side's trip to Roma on Sunday. "He is proving technical skills. You know that I am not in charge of the finances, but he is certainly giving us fundamental improvements. He can become an important player for this club for many years."

Bakayoko moved to AC Milan on loan after a poor first season at Chelsea following his move from Monaco in 2017. Yet he endured similar struggles in Serie A initially and was criticised by Gattuso after making his debut:

Milan’s Gatusso after Bakayoko’s debut -

“Bakayoko has to learn how to get the ball. We must work correctly. It will not be easy. One week is not enough to remove the defects of a player. I would have preferred to be managing older, more experienced club players.”

Wow.

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) August 27, 2018

Yet the midfielder has gradually managed to find his form for the Rossoneri and has begun to show what he can do. He put in a particularly impressive performance in Milan's Coppa Italia win over Napoli:

https://twitter.com/FTalentScout/status/1090361928738848774

Bakayoko told Corriere dello Sport recently that it's his "dream" to stay at Milan:

#Bakayoko on joining AC Milan permanently at end of loan from #cfc this season: "It is up to Milan and Chelsea. However, staying at Milan is my dream and it is the thought fixed in my mind, but I have a contract with Chelsea." (Milan have option to buy him worth around £31m)

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) February 1, 2019

Yet Milan need to be careful when it comes to transfers. The club were told in December by UEFA they must break even by June 2021 or face being banned from European competition for violating Financial Fair Play regulations, per BBC Sport.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday (h/t Calciomercato.com), signing Bakayoko will "not be judged negatively" by UEFA, as the player has resale value and will likely be given a long contract with a manageable salary.

Chelsea strengthened their midfield in summer 2018 by bringing in Jorginho from Napoli on a permanent deal and signing Mateo Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid.

EiF Soccer do not expect the Blues to want Bakayoko back:

Highly doubt Chelsea being him back. Had an awful, awful spell. Needed a new surrounding and that’s what he has now.

Milan should purchase and he should stay.

— EiF (@EiFSoccer) January 29, 2019

Bakayoko appears to be rediscovering the form that persuaded Chelsea to bring him to the Premier League. He's made it clear where he sees his future and has shown he could have a big impact in Milan if they are willing to invest in a permanent deal.

Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is eager to make his loan at AC Milan a permanent deal following a spike in form under Gennaro Gattuso.

Bakayoko spoke with Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com) about his turnaround in form working with Gattuso, as well as his intentions to remain in Milan after his loan expires in June:

"I never thought I was wrong to come to Milan. In my short career, not everything went well for me. Sometimes the start of an adventure in a new club was difficult. It happened at Monaco and at Chelsea and I was not surprised it happened again at Milan. I need time to adapt, but afterwards...

"Leonardo's words about my redemption? I heard what he said but I am not in a position to talk about, it is up to Milan and Chelsea. However, staying at Milan is my dream and it is the thought fixed in my mind but I have a contract with Chelsea. What would I be willing to do for Milan to redeem me? I don't know. I want to finish the season in fourth place, then we will think about it."

Calciomercato's report mentioned the Rossoneri can make the deal permanent for a reported €35 million (£30.7 million), though there are questions over whether the Italian giants will fork out so much.

Bakayoko, 24, got off to a miserable start in Serie A and developed a poor reputation early on. However, his display in Tuesday's 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Napoli was the latest piece of evidence to convince presenter Matteo Bonetti his struggles are a thing of the past:

https://twitter.com/TheCalcioGuy/status/1090337312163184650

https://twitter.com/TheCalcioGuy/status/1090357470852198400

Gattuso has hailed the Frenchman's transformation. After his side Napoli in midweek, the manager told Rai Sport (h/t Rob Guest of Football.London) that Bakayoko was a different player from the one who first arrived in Milan, who "got it wrong most of the time."

Bakayoko left Stamford Bridge on loan in August after Maurizio Sarri was appointed Chelsea boss, having been signed by Antonio Conte from AS Monaco one year prior. However, it's another Italian he's enjoyed working under at the San Siro so far:

"Gattuso's qualities? I do not know if he has any qualities (he says seriously before bursting into laughter). I'm joking, Gattuso loves the players and gives everything to make them train well. His talent is to give love to his players.

"If he was my idol as a player? He was not my ideal player. I say this with great respect because he won the Champions League which is my dream and please don't tell him (laughs again)."

Italian football writer David Amoyal agreed Bakayoko now looked like a much more accomplished signing and could signal a change in the transfer success rate at Milan:

Paqueta & Bakayoko look like excellent building blocks for Milan’s midfield which quite frankly hasn’t been even close to the club’s lofty standards in past 5 years

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) January 26, 2019

Bakayoko gave further detail about his strong relationship with former Rossoneri enforcer Gattuso:

"For me, he is the boss. A nice person who helped me a lot. In the first 2-3 months, when things were not all right, we talked every day. But now there is no need because we understand each other with a look. Our relationship is perfect. If I am a leader, as Gattuso says? I do not know? I try to give everything to the team and the fans. I give 100 percent because I have a big heart. It is important when the coach believes you are a leader."

Sarri signed Jorginho from former club Napoli to strengthen his midfield last summer, while Mateo Kovacic was also brought in on loan from Real Madrid. 

Milan may find it difficult to turn down a deal should his improvements continue, and Bakayoko has made it known where he'd like to be playing next season as his loan spell at Milan enters its final months.

AC Milan signed Krzysztof Piatek from Genoa and agreed to a contract through 2023 with the 23-year-old forward, the club announced Wednesday. 

The move came after Chelsea confirmed they had signed Gonzalo Higuain on loan. Higuain had been on loan with Milan for the first half of the 2018-19 season.

According to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano, Genoa received an initial €35 million for Piatek.

The Poland international made a big impact in a limited amount of time under manager Cesare Prandelli. He scored 13 goals in 19 Serie A matches and added another six goals in two Coppa Italia fixtures. His finishing will be sorely missed by Genoa, who have only scored 25 goals as a team and sit just six points above the relegation zone.

ESPN's Matteo Bonetti believes Genoa's loss is Milan's gain:

https://twitter.com/TheCalcioGuy/status/1088179840937877517

Piatek should help Milan solidify their place in the top four.

With 34 points through 20 matches, the Rossoneri are one point ahead of Roma. The gap between Milan and eighth-place Sampdoria is only four points, so the battle for the final UEFA Champions League spot will be tight.

One question with regard to Piatek's signing is what it means for Patrick Cutrone. The 21-year-old has struggled to earn a regular starting role and has just three goals to his name this season. 

Assuming Milan utilize a one-striker formation, Cutrone will continue to be stuck on the outside looking in.

AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has wished forward Gonzalo Higuain all the best, as his reported transfer move to Chelsea grows ever nearer. 

The Argentina international did not feature in the 2-0 win over Genoa on Monday, and after the contest the Donnarumma told Sky Italia (h/t Goal's Dan Lewis) he's sure Higuain made his choice for a reason: "If Higuain made this choice, there must be reasons, but he is a friend and I wish him all the best."

It's the latest indication a transfer is all but done and dusted, with reporters from Italy and England adamant an announcement could follow soon. Per BBC Sport's David Ornstein, it shouldn't take too long once an agreement has been found:

Gonzalo Higuain still in Italy as AC Milan try to secure Genoa’s Krzysztof Piatek as replacement, enabling Higuain to join Chelsea. If agreement on all sides, financials/medicals should be quick. Genoa chief Giorgio Perinetti says conclusion to talks within 48 hours #CFC #ACMilan

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 21, 2019

Higuain is on loan at Milan, meaning negotiations have also involved parent club Juventus. With three clubs trying to secure the best possible deal it's no wonder this saga has dragged on throughout January.

As highlighted by Ornstein, Milan have been linked with Genoa phenom Krzysztof Piatek as a possible replacement, and they're unlikely to let Higuain go unless they feel good about their other options.

The Rossoneri showed they'll be fine without the 31-year-old in Monday's outing:

#Genoa 0-2 #ACMilan

Fabio Borini and Suso recapture fourth place, as Rossoneri start life without Gonzalo Higuain on a high https://t.co/e11Wmv5bVB #GenoaMilan #SerieA pic.twitter.com/nBrEQUJqIe

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) January 21, 2019

According to Lewis, manager Gennaro Gattuso said Higuain didn't feature because his focus was not on the match. In his last outing, the Supercoppa Italiana, he came off the bench, and it seems he has played his last contest for the Rossoneri.

Chelsea have been searching for an answer to their striker problems all season long, with Eden Hazard playing as a central option in recent weeks. Alvaro Morata appears to have lost the faith of manager Maurizio Sarri, and his time in the British capital appears all but over, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid is done. Loan with option to buy, £48.5m option. Chelsea signed him for £58m plus add-ons to £70m, suffice to say he won't have hit many of the objectives add-ons but a loss made on him. Door is opening for Higuain to join Chelsea. #CFC

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 21, 2019

Higuain has been far from his best this season but had his best ever campaign under Sarri at Napoli. The Blues will be banking on those two rekindling their magic, as the race for the Premier League's top four heats up.

With Arsenal beating them during the weekend and Manchester United in excellent form, there's no room for error, and Chelsea had to make a move. They opted to go big, and only time will tell whether it pays off.

AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso says he accepts Gonzalo Higuain's decision to leave the Rossoneri amid speculation he will join Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The striker has been left out of AC Milan's squad for Monday's Serie A clash against Genoa, and Gattuso offered an update on the current situation, per Sky Sports: 

"I accept his decision. Surely he could have done more and maybe we could have helped him fit in better. I want to be honest with you all. We had a poor training session today due to all these rumours. We spoke after the training session and I did not consider him ready for this game."

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Higuain's parent club Juventus. The striker will move to the Blues on a six-month loan with an option to buy for £32.5 million, according to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella and Romeo Agresti.

AC Milan will replace loanee Higuain by signing Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek for an initial fee of €35 million (£30.9 million), according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea will make room for Higuain by offloading Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid:

#Higuain move to #cfc now just waiting on AC Milan finalising #Piatek.Atletico Madrid have agreed terms over #Morata loan. There are reports it includes an option to buy worth £48.6m. Including loan fee,that would mean Chelsea basically get most, if not all, of their money back.

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) January 20, 2019

Higuain has already said goodbye to his AC Milan team-mates and will fly to London to complete his move on Sunday or Monday, per Football Italia.

Chelsea's need for a striker has become increasingly evident as this season has progressed. Strikers Morata and Olivier Giroud have struggled for goals, while Eden Hazard has been used as a false nine but has not scored since Boxing Day.

The Blues' lack of goals has seen their place in the top four of the Premier League come under threat. Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal means they are just three points ahead of the Gunners and a resurgent Manchester United.

Manager Maurizio Sarri knows Higuain well from their time together at Napoli and will be hoping the striker can hit the ground running if he does arrive in January.

Chelsea have lost two of their last three games and have another crucial fixture on Thursday, as they attempt to turn around a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Gennaro Gattuso has said Gonzalo Higuain has never told him "he wants to leave." Rossoneri boss Gattuso has described Juventus loanee Higuain as "always smiling and joking with his teammates," per Football.London's Lee Wilmot. 

Those words will cast doubt on rumours continuing to link Higuain with a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window. Wilmot noted the Blues want to secure a loan deal for the prolific striker this winter, but his parent club Juve aren't interested in anything less than a permanent move.

Higuain will see familiar faces when Milan meet the Bianconeri in the Supercoppa Italiana final on Wednesday. The striker was left red-faced after scything through his manager during a recent pre-match training session:

That is one way to get a transfer...#CFC target Gonzalo Higuain takes out AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso in training 🤦‍♂️

More: https://t.co/uB8k0vOJEU pic.twitter.com/Tvw06Sopnd

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 15, 2019

Nonetheless, Gattuso's description of Higuain as happy with life in Milan is also in sharp contrast to his recent utterances about the prospect of the No. 9 moving on. The 41-year-old said "when a player makes up his mind it becomes hard to convince them otherwise," per BBC Sport.

However, Gattuso also admitted, "If it was up to me, I'd keep him at my house and feed him my dinner."

Wanting to keep Higuain at the San Siro makes sense since the Argentinian is a proven goalscorer at the highest level. Higuain hasn't quite been at his best this season, but the former Real Madrid and Napoli ace has still found the net eight times in all competitions.

Milan need Higuain to continue his sojourn from Juventus because Gattuso lacks another composed and ruthless finisher at centre-forward. Andre Silva is enjoying a successful loan spell with La Liga side Sevilla, leaving Patrick Cutrone and Suso as the other options, even though the latter is not a natural striker.

Despite his obvious importance, Milan's players don't sound overly concerned about the prospect of Higuain moving on. Centre-back and skipper Alessio Romagnoli said the issue is out of his team-mates' hands:

Romagnoli on the @G_Higuain rumours: "Us players we are only focused on what happens on the pitch. Leonardo and Paolo Maldini are the ones you should ask about the transfer market"#JuveMilan #Supercoppa

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 15, 2019

Chelsea's need to sign Higuain is as obvious as Milan's to keep him. The Blues lack a centre-forward cool enough in front of goal to earn the trust of Maurizio Sarri.

Both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have struggled since the Italian replaced Antonio Conte in the summer. Sarri's lack of confidence in the pair could accelerate a deal for Higuain, provided Milan can iron out the details with Juve first.

The Daily Telegraph's Matt Law has reported Milan officials, including chief executive Ivan Gazidis, will have talks with Juventus to try and settle the issue.

If those talks clear the path for Chelsea, ESPN's Matteo Bonetti believes the Blues would get the complete striker Sarri craves:

https://twitter.com/TheCalcioGuy/status/1084821865384853504

Of course, everything will ultimately hinge on where Higuain sees his future. The 31-year-old thrived in both Naples and Turin, so it's entirely possible he's not ready to turn his back on Serie A just yet.