Transfer Zone: Chelsea loan Higuain as Piatek joins AC Milan

Chelsea sign Higuain to ignite spluttering attack

Chelsea signed Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus until the end of the season on Wednesday as boss Maurizio Sarri looks to ignite his spluttering attack. Higuain had scored just once in his last 12 appearances for AC Milan. But the former Real Madrid star, who will wear Chelsea's number nine shirt, is expected to recreate the fruitful relationship he had with Sarri in their one season together at Napoli in 2015-16. He scored 36 league goals in 35 games for Napoli, breaking the Serie A single-season record. 

Piatek completes AC Milan move 

Genoa's Polish international striker Krzysztof Piatek signed a four-and-a-half year deal with AC Milan, the Serie A club said on Wednesday, shortly after Argentine Gonazlo Higuain's six-month loan move to Chelsea was confirmed. The Italian club said the 23-year-old Piatek had penned a deal until June 30, 2023 after undergoing a medical and would be officially unveiled on Thursday before training with his new teammates. No financial details were revealed but according to media reports in Italy the deal for the promising Pole is worth 35 million euros.

Frenkie de Jong release clause revealed

Barcelona have set Frenkie de Jong's release clause at a massive €400 million. The 21-year-old midfielder will join the Catalan giants from Ajax at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal with the club. And Barca have ensured they avoid any danger of De Jong being snapped up prematurely by Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain by putting a big figure in his contract.

Skriniar to snub Man Utd & Barca for new Inter contract

Milan Skriniar says he wants to sign a new contract with Inter, despite interest from across Europe, reports goal.com. The centre-back still has three years left to run on his current deal, but is set for a wage rise if he commits to a year-long extension. And although the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to want him, the 23-year-old says he wants to stay at San Siro for longer.

Solskjaer not surprised by Arsenal interest in Bailly

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that it wouldn't surprise him if there is genuine interest from Arsenal in centre-back Eric Bailly. Reports in the English press on Wednesday claimed that Manchester United turned down an offer from the Gunners for the defender. But Solskjaer gave nothing away over whether he'd be willing to sell Bailly, merely claiming that the apparent interest is "not a big surprise".

Henry facing the sack at Monaco

Monaco are set to sack manager Thierry Henry after just three months on the job, according to the Mirror. Henry took over from Leonardo Jardim in October but has fallen flat in his first managerial job, having won just two of 12 league matches. Jardim is in line for a shock return to the sideline for Monaco, who are 19th in Ligue 1, three points from safety.

Liverpool & Real Madrid target Werner offered new deal

RB Leipzig have offered star striker Timo Werner a new deal amid reports of interest from Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid among others, Bild says. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga, but Leipzig are willing to double his wages to persuade him to stay for the time being.


Sources: AFP, Reuters, Goal.com, BBC