HIGUAIN TO CHELSEA ?

Higuain ready for £42m Chelsea switch this summer but doesn't want to be second-choice behind Costa

Gonzalo Higuain is ready to move to Chelsea in a £42million deal this summer but is not prepared to be second choice behind Diego Costa.

Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has informed the Blues hierarchy of his desire to land the Argentine, Higuain is open to moving to London, even if it means no Champions League football next season.

But Higuain is not prepared to join as a No 2 striker and wants assurances that he’ll be first choice.

HIGUAIN'S CAREER STATS

Age: 28

Games: 425

Goals: 217

Assists: 82

Minutes per goal: 130

Clubs: River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli.

COSTA'S CAREER STATS 

Age: 27

Games: 349

Goals: 139

Assists: 50

Minutes per goal: 187

Clubs: Braga, Penefiel (loan), Atletico Madrid (two spells), Celta Vigo (loan), Albacete (loan), Real Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano (loan), Chelsea. 

Costa holds that role at the moment and Higuain would be reluctant to join if the Spain international remains at the club.

However, there is ongoing interest in Costa from China, where he could net a deal worth a staggering £300,000 per week.

Atletico Madrid are also interested in re-signing the player they sold to Chelsea in 2014.

Chelsea are adamant they want to keep Costa next season but their move for Higuain is likely to soften their stance.

Likewise, the Blues insist Costa does not want to leave, however, should an offer arrive that suits both parties then the controversial striker would consider it.

Conte will target a number of big names this summer and is using his knowledge of Serie A in search of fresh blood.