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Report: Higuain's agent meets with Sarri over potential Chelsea move

Nicolò Campo / LightRocket / Getty

The brother and agent of AC Milan striker Gonzalo Higuain traveled to London on Thursday to discuss a transfer to Chelsea with Blues manager Maurizio Sarri, a source told ESPN's Andrew Cesare Richardson.

Conflicting reports emerged in recent days as talk of a move intensified. La Gazzetta dello Sport speculated Wednesday that Higuain had already agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, but Sky Sport Italia's Peppe Di Stefano denied such an agreement exists.

Corriere della Sera's Monica Colombo and Monica Scozzafava added that Milan have no desire to terminate Higuain's loan deal - especially with Financial Fair Play restricting the market for potential replacements. The 31-year-old arrived in Milan from Juventus for €18 million, with a further €36 million due if he completes a permanent move to the Rossoneri in the summer.

Chelsea also have reservations about investing a significant sum in a player who's over 30 years old, according to Di Stefano.

But it's apparent Sarri - who coached Higuain for one year at Napoli - would like the Argentine to replace misfiring Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

Morata is a reported target for Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, with sources telling ESPN that the two La Liga sides are interested in signing the Spanish international on loan. Morata's agent reportedly traveled to London to discuss a departure.

Previous reports proposed that Milan could take Morata in exchange for Higuain.

Higuain's performances in the first half of the Serie A season drew heavy criticism from the Italian press - and a few pointed words from Milan director Leonardo. Speculation of an early exit ran rampant as Higuain endured a two-month scoreless run.

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

"He had a tough moment, he has to put it behind him and get to work."

Higuain has scored just six goals in Serie A this season.

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