AC Milan

Fabio Capello hopes Gonzalo Higuain will stay with AC Milan but believes he has his heart set on a departure amid persistent rumours linking him with Chelsea.

The former Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and England manager coached Higuain in the Spanish capital and believes Higuain is keen on reuniting with a manager that knows him well. Speaking to Radio Anch’io Sport (h/t Football Italia), he said:

"I got the best out of him at Real Madrid.

"I think he was burdened by that penalty miss against Juventus. I’ve seen him play too far away from goal.

"I hope that for Milan’s sake, he can overcome his mental block and score lots of goals between now and the end of the season. Higuain’s quality isn’t up for discussion.

"What would I tell him? I remember when I joined Juventus and Trezeguet wanted to leave. I told him to stay because he was important to me.

"My feeling, though, is that Higuain wants to go and play under a coach who knows his qualities and can enhance them."

He also said the question needs to be asked to Higuain whether he wants to go or stay.

The Italian press has provided almost daily updates on the transfer saga, with the latest reports saying he has requested a transfer to Chelsea:

Gonzalo Higuain has formally requested a transfer to #ChelseaFC , according to Sky Sport Italia, but #ACMilan and #Juventus are in a complex situation https://t.co/osBUpCugKG #CFC #Argentina pic.twitter.com/CbmZ2Sd0zy

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) January 13, 2019

Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso maintains hope he will stay at the club:

"If it was up to me, I would take Higuain home, lock him in a room, feed him and always keep him with me." 😂

Never change, Gennaro Gattuso. Never change. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EVwDW1tFBN

— GOAL (@goal) January 14, 2019

The 31-year-old joined Milan on loan in the summer, with the Rossoneri holding an option to make the switch from Juventus to the Italian fashion capital permanent.

Higuain has struggled with the Rossoneri, however, scoring just a single goal since the start of November. He made a good start at the San Siro but steadily lost momentum, with the low point coming in the first meeting with parent club Juventus.

In that match, he missed a penalty and was sent off for two bookable offences. Since then his body language has progressively worsened, and an exit now seems inevitable.

Higuain played the best football of his career under Maurizio Sarri, who managed him at Napoli. The Italian is now in charge of Chelsea, and some believe the Argentina international could return to form under the tactician. Football expert Matteo Bonetti is one of them:

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

The Blues have a history of only offering players over 30 short-term deals, however, and spending big on a player like Higuain doesn't appear to fit their usual plans. The fact he's on loan at Milan further complicates matters―even if the Rossoneri are interested in ending their involvement early, Juventus will still demand a hefty fee.

The Bianconeri have to approve any deal Milan and Chelsea strike and have no reason to do so unless they're fairly compensated.

AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso says his side are doing their best to keep hold of striker Gonzalo Higuain amid rumours of interest from Chelsea.

The striker is on loan from Juventus but has been linked with a January departure, and Gattuso offered an update on the situation after Saturday's 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Sampdoria, per Sky Sports.

"When a player makes up his mind it becomes hard to convince them otherwise. I have a relationship with him that features great honesty, we say things to one another's face. At the moment, he's our player and we're holding on tightly to him. I don't know what will happen.

"I've talked to him a great deal but it's hard to give advice because the career of a player only lasts 13-14 years. It's his mind, not mine. The most important thing is to talk as men, look each other in the eyes and speak the truth.

"I still don't understand what Higuain's unhappy about because I see a happy lad, involved in the locker room. We'll see what happens. If it was up to me, I'd keep him at my house and feed him my dinner."

Higuain has managed six goals in 15 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri this season. He's currently in the midst of a poor run with just one goal in his last 11 outings.

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri would like to bring Higuain to Stamford Bridge and the club are in talks over a loan move, according to Jason Burt at the Daily Telegraph. However, Juventus want to sell and a permanent deal could cost Chelsea over £30 million.

Higuain and Sarri worked together at Napoli, and the Argentinian thrived in front of goal:

36 - Gonzalo #Higuain is the player to have scored the most goals in a single Serie A campaign (36 goals). Pipita. pic.twitter.com/OA8sj4le67

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 31, 2018

Chelsea are in need of a striker with both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud having struggled for goals under Sarri.

The Italian has begun to favour using playmaker Eden Hazard as a false nine, which highlights their need for a striker, according to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

I've got to say, I'm a with Maurizio Sarri (and Antonio Conte before him) on thinking that Eden Hazard as a false 9 is the best fit in the current squad. It also shows a need for a top new striker. pic.twitter.com/07zxFrNs3V

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 12, 2019

Sarri has discussed Chelsea's requirements in the January transfer window and said he wants to bring in "two players," per Goal.

Chelsea's priority seems to be to sign a striker this winter to provide extra presence in attack and relieve some of the pressure on Hazard's shoulders.

Gattuso's comments demonstrate how keen he is to keep hold of Higuain, but the chance of a new start under a manager he knows well is likely to appeal to the 31-year-old.

AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has said he hopes to keep Gonzalo Higuain at the club on loan from Juventus amid speculation linking the striker with a switch to Chelsea.    

Higuain moved to Milan in the summer following Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Juve, and despite his reputation as one of the most dependable goalscorers in Italian football, he has struggled at the San Siro.

Rumours linking the player with a possible move to Chelsea have surfaced as a result, although Gattuso said on Friday he wants the former Napoli and Real Madrid man to stay where he is, per Sean Wilson of Goal.

"Higuain? Gonzalo has presented himself well," he said. "I hope that he stays here as long as possible; if it's not like this, we'll see. It will not be a problem for me."

According to Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph, the Blues are exploring a possible loan for the striker. Higuain's brother and agent, Nicolas, was reportedly in London on Thursday to hold talks with Chelsea representatives.

Burt added that Chelsea will consider sending out Alvaro Morata on loan if they can secure a replacement, and Higuain is their priority target in the mid-season window.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri worked with the striker during their time together at Napoli. In their final season together, the Argentinian forward set a new goalscoring record in the Italian top flight:

Gonzalo Higuain
36 goals in 35 games in 2015/16
New single-season record in Italy
Serie A Top Scorer
Juventus player pic.twitter.com/r3pVZk7Ywe

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 26, 2016

Sarri was asked about a possible move for the striker at his own press conference on Friday and said Chelsea need to make some signings:

Sarri on Higuain: "I'm not involved in the market. I spoke with the club & the club knows my opinion. In my opinion we need two players, then it depends on the club's decision. But I don't know anything about the market, day by day or minute by minute" #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2019

On the back of that incredible campaign, the forward earned a move to Juventus and helped the team win two Serie A titles in his two terms. However, the summer acquisition of Ronaldo meant there would be a shift in the side's attacking onus.

Milan appeared to be the beneficiaries, although the 31-year-old has not been able to find his best under Gattuso, netting just six times in 15 games in Serie A. 

Despite his struggles, a loan move for Higuain would possibly make sense for Chelsea. The MailOnline's Tess Derry commented on how much Morata has faltered when tasked to lead the line this term:

Absolutely no pressure whatsoever on Higuain if he joins. All he has to do is stay onside and he’s the greatest striker Chelsea have seen all season.

— Tess Derry (@tessderry1) January 9, 2019

Aside from his recent stint at Milan, Higuain has been prolific throughout his time in Italy:

Gonzalo Higuaín in Serie A:

2013/14: 32 games, 17 goals 🔵
2014/15: 37 games, 18 goals 🔵
2015/16: 35 games, 36 goals 🔵
2016/17: 38 games, 24 goals ⚫️
2017/18: 35 games, 16 goals ⚫️

15+ every season. pic.twitter.com/VKLde0OAd8

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 2, 2018

The concerns come from the fact that the forward has looked a little past his best over the past year. Additionally, the pace and robustness of the Premier League mean strikers often require a physical presence to thrive up top; that's something Higuain has never had, instead relying on his penalty-box instincts.

Still, Chelsea need a regular goalscorer to take some of the burden off the shoulders of Eden Hazard. In a functioning side and under a manager he knows well, Higuain may yet have it in him to make an impression in English football.

AC Milan director Leonardo has hit out at reported Chelsea transfer target Gonzalo Higuain, saying the striker has to "make a decision" and "get to work." 

The Argentinian has been linked with a move to the Blues after a difficult first half of the season. Higuain's demeanor during matches has not been great in the last month and he has scored just once in his last 10 outings.

Leonardo did not hold back when asked about the on-loan forward, per Football Italia:

"He has to make a decision and take on his share of the responsibility. Not this continual yes, no, I'm not sure. He had a tough moment, he has to put it behind him and get to work.

"There's no point following rumours and gossip. He is here right now. Seeing as he is here, he needs to get down and actually do something for this team.

"A goal can change things, but if he is to continue here, he needs to take on responsibility."

Those comments stand out because Leonardo was adamant Higuain wasn't going anywhere and the club had no "doubts" about their forward late last month:

Milan sporting director Leonardo:”We never had any doubts on Higuain. Chelsea haven’t contacted us, nor did he ask to leave” https://t.co/iKWAf1iyAz

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) December 28, 2018

The 31-year-old moved from Juventus to Milan in the summer on a loan deal, with the Rossoneri holding an option to make the deal permanent. At the time there was no doubt they would use the option but his poor form and the club's issues with financial fair play have made a permanent switch less likely.

Chelsea have emerged as suitors due to their need at the striker position and the presence of Maurizio Sarri. Higuain had his best ever scoring season under the Italian tactician while the two worked together at Napoli.

According to Bleacher Report's Alex McGovern the lack of a quality striker was once again a glaring issue in Tuesday's loss to Tottenham Hotspur:

Thought Chelsea played really well. Same problem as usual though: Lack of striker/runs in behind and lack of a final pass. Striker and left centre-mid are the two biggest problem positions offensively, and I can’t see Barella/Paredes as solving the midfield part. #TOTCHE

— Alex McGovern (@AlexMcGovern11) January 8, 2019

Sarri has made no secret of the fact he wants the club to sign a new striker, per the Press Association's Matt McGeehan (h/t MailOnline).

Leonardo's latest comments appear to indicate Milan are warming up to the idea of a premature split, which could be good news for Chelsea.

The deal could still prove difficult even if Milan want to make it work, however. Higuain is still a Juventus player, and the Bianconeri will have to sign off on everything.

They'll be hoping for the transfer fee that was part of the original deal with Milan, and the Blues may be forced to cough up a similar fee.

AC Milan finally announced the transfer of former Flamengo star Lucas Paqueta on Friday, with the official introduction of the player taking place on Tuesday.

The club announced the news via their official website.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will start training on Monday. Per the official club statement, Milan will launch a new Portuguese-language website and Twitter account to coincide with his arrival.

Paqueta has been linked with Milan throughout the first half of the season, and he confirmed he would leave Flamengo in November, per Globo Esporte (h/t Calciomercato.com). The Rossoneri waited to make the move official until the January transfer window, however.

He's already a full Brazil international and has drawn comparisons to former Milan star and compatriot Kaka, per Goal's Daniel Edwards.

The Rossoneri legend himself endorsed Paqueta in an interview with Milan TV (h/t Edwards):

"He's a player who has a bright future ahead of him.

"He's already been called up to the Brazilian national team, but it's better for him that we don't make comparisons. I've seen so many of them in recent days, with me, with [Alexandre] Pato, with Ronaldinho, Cafu, Rivaldo… with all the Brazilians who have been part of Milan's history.

"We need to avoid these comparisons so he can come here and play calmly and peacefully. But I'm confident."

According to Edwards, Barcelona and Real Madrid were also interested in the playmaker.

Here are some of his highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_6-WjMH5N0

Milan have fallen behind Inter Milan and Lazio Roma in the race for a UEFA Champions League ticket, having scored fewer goals than any other side in Serie A's top eight.

The January addition of a scoring playmaker with quick feet could be a major boost, although Paqueta may need some time to adapt to the European game.

The pressure on the youngster will likely be instant, especially given Milan's rich history with Brazilian imports.

AC Milan "want to keep" Juventus loanee Gonzalo Higuain, at least beyond the January transfer window. Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici discussed Higuain's immediate future with the Rossoneri amid rumours the 31-year-old is a target for Premier League side Chelsea this winter.

Higuain is on a season-long loan with the Bianconeri's Serie A rivals Milan. Even so, Paratici remains confident about the Argentinian's ability, per Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard:

"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."

Johnson revealed how Chelsea had spoken with both Juve and the Rossoneri about engineering a deal for the prolific striker. However, the Blues sought a short-term contract, while Milan can pay £32 million to sign Higuain permanently at the end of the season.

Chelsea didn't want to make the same commitment, according to Johnson.

Juve would likely prefer Milan keep Higuain long enough to pay the clause to make his deal permanent. The Bianconeri have little need for the player with Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo up front.

As for Chelsea, the Blues' reticence regarding signing Higuain for the long haul makes little sense. Maurizio Sarri has seen his side's title chances scuppered by struggles up top.

A 0-0 draw at home to Southampton on Wednesday has even dented Chelsea's top-four hopes. The Stamford Bridge club are now only a mere three points ahead of London rivals Arsenal in fifth and six above Manchester United.

An inability to finish in front of goal is becoming common:

Chelsea 0-0 Southampton FT: Chelsea have failed to score in successive home league matches for the first time in 12 months https://t.co/AwMxhm6QeX #CHESOU

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 2, 2019

Angus Gunn made 6️⃣ saves on his @premierleague debut v Chelsea
⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔

No @SouthamptonFC goalkeeper's made more in a game this season
👏👏 pic.twitter.com/RqdCbA8gvf

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 2, 2019

It's also a problem prompting Sarri to ask for a new striker, per Press Association's Matt McGeehan (h/t MailOnline): "We have to try to solve the problem of the last 15, 20 metres."

Higuain fits as a potential remedy for Chelsea's inconsistencies in the final third. While both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have lacked composure, Higuain is a more refined finisher.

He's decisive with his chances and can usually be trusted to make the most of one-on-one situations. Those qualities helped Higuain score for fun during prolific spells with Real Madrid, Napoli and Juve.

Things haven't quite followed the same pattern in Milan, though. Higuain has found the net just eight times in all competitions. He's also on a barren run of just one goal in his last six matches.

Milan sporting director Leonardo admitted last month how "it is difficult to manage a striker when he doesn’t score," per The Sun's Wally Downes Jr.

However, Leonardo also said how valuable Higuain is to Milan's season. Paratici's latest comments only reaffirm this view and make it highly unlikely Chelsea will be able to sign a player who would surely solve the club's growing woes in attacking areas.