West Ham United may feel encouraged to act on their interest in Olivier Giroud, with Chelsea reportedly targeting Gonzalo Higuain (The Daily Mail).
The Argentine ace is currently on loan at AC Milan from Juventus, but Financial Fair Play restrictions could see the Blues take over Milan’s option with the Old Lady.
Sarri is apparently keen to snap up Higuain, as it appears he is unhappy with his current options up front.
Alvaro Morata has improved but ultimately still lacks consistency, while Giroud rarely gets a run out.
If Chelsea successful sign Higuain in January, then it’s difficult to see how Giroud can possibly stay at the club – and that’s where West Ham could come in.
Hammers to pounce?
Back in October The Mirror reported that the Irons were keen to sign the World Cup winner, whom they have a long-standing interest in.
The Frenchman is into the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and would be able to leave in a cut-price deal in January, or for free next summer.
West Ham may feel that Higuain coming in for the Blues would make their landing of Giroud a bit easier – if the long-standing interest in the player is still there, of course.
He would make a fine (and cheap) acquisition for the Hammers, since he has lots of Premier League experience.
Manuel Pellegrini would have to make room for him though, but any one of Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez or Andy Carroll could be sold by the Chilean.