Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'will not extend Gonzalo Higuain loan'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 17 May 2019

Chelsea reportedly decide against extending Gonzalo Higuain's loan deal and will send him back to Juventus despite the prospect of a transfer ban.

Chelsea have reportedly decided against extending Gonzalo Higuain's loan deal beyond the end of the season.

The 31-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge on an initial six-month contract in January, but he failed to impress during the second half of the campaign and scored only five goals in 21 appearances for the club.

Chelsea have the option to extend Higuain's loan by a further 12 months for £15.7m or to make the move permanent for £31.6m, but the Daily Mail reports that they will instead send him back to Juventus after the Europa League final.

The Blues face the prospect of a two-window transfer ban and would be able to keep Higuain at the club regardless of that, but they are willing to let the Argentine leave despite not being able to sign a replacement.

Juventus are keen to offload the striker as he has two years remaining on a lucrative contract in Turin, and the Italian champions had sent him out to AC Milan on loan before his move to Chelsea.

The futures of Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud also remain uncertain for Chelsea, although they are expected to trigger a one-year extension in the contract of the latter.