Juventus sporting director Fabricio Paratici has indicated that Chelsea are unlikely to pursue the signature of Gonzalo Higuain during the ongoing transfer window. The Argentina international joined AC Milan on a two-year loan move during the summer but he has since not experienced the best of seasons with just six goals in the Serie A.

In the event, there has been the speculation that the Rossoneri may mutually part ways with the striker, thereby allowing Chelsea to acquire his services. However, this does not seem the case, according to Paratici, who has indicated that the Rossoneri have no plans of terminating the loan deal of the former Napoli man.

He told Sky Italia: “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.”

“Paratici’s comments are likely to prove a transfer blow for the Blues, who are on the desperate search for a new marksman amid their struggles upfront“. Both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have been entrusted with the role of leading “the line this term“ but neither have impressed sufficiently with just six goals combined in the Premier League.

As such, the burden has been more on Eden Hazard, who has recently featured in the false number nine position but Sarri is aware that the club cannot regularly depend on the Belgium international. Chelsea managed a frustrating 0-0 draw against Southampton on Wednesday night and the result sees them holding onto the final Champions League spot with just a three-point advantage over Arsenal.