Chelsea transfer news: Gonzalo Higuain returns to Juventus after unsuccessful loan spell

The striker failed to rekindle his prolific form under Maurizio Sarri at Napoli during the pair's time in west London

Tom Kershaw
Monday 01 July 2019 08:30 BST
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Chelsea have passed on their £31.3m option to purchase Gonzalo Higuain with the Argentinian now returning to Juventus, where he has two years remaining on his contract.

Higuain joined the Blues in January under the insistence of Maurizio Sarri, with the manager desperate to sign the striker who equalled the Serie A scoring record under him at Napoli, but subsequently failed to rekindle that prolific form during his time in west London.

In total, Higuain made 18 appearances for Chelsea and scored seven goals before eventually losing his place to Olivier Giroud after a streak of sluggish performances.

The 31-year-old's brother took to Twitter yesterday to confirm Higuain had no interest in joining another Italian club and intends to respect the remainder of his contract with Juventus - the striker was on loan with AC Milan before joining the Blues - before the news was confirmed by Chelsea this morning.

“Higuain in Italy will play only in Juventus," his brother wrote. "Two years of his contract remain and they will be respected.”

Higuain will be united with Sarri for the third time in his career after the former Chelsea manager's move to the Italian champions was completed last month.

Club captain Gary Cahill, goalkeepers Rob Green and Eduardo and academy prospect Kyle Scott have also all been released.

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