Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain has completed his move to Chelsea on loan.
The Juventus forward - who spent this season on loan at AC Milan - is reuniting with former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri at the Premier League club.
"When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself I had to take it," Higuain, who will wear the number nine shirt, said.
Advert
"It's a team I've always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I've always wanted to play in.
"I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can't wait to start and I hope to adapt as soon as possible."
Marina Granovskaia, the director at Chelsea, added: "Gonzalo was our number one target in this transfer window and arrives with a proven record at the highest level. He has previously worked with Maurizio to great effect and is familiar with how the coach likes to play.
Advert
"This was not an easy deal for us to do because of the numerous parties involved, but we are delighted we were able to make it happen and we look forward to seeing the impact Gonzalo will make for us in the second half of the season."
Higuain has only registered six goals so far this season, which is far-call from his form in previous years in the Italian top league.
Under Sarri at Napoli he finished top goal-scorer in 2015/16. Chelsea's attacking power has been limited since the Italian manager took over, having scored the lowest goals scored tally within the top six.
Advert
Higuain won't be in a blue shirt for Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Spurs, though he is expected to be in the squad for the FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
According to AS, he boarded a private flight from Milan at 8am, heading for Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, which is under an hour's drive to Cobham training ground. Out-of-favour Alvaro Morata is now expected to join Atletico Madrid on loan until the end of the season.
The Spaniard started his Chelsea career in fine form, after moving to West London from Real Madrid for £60 million in 2016. He scored 15 in all competitions during his debut season, but has fallen off the pace since.
Advert
Higuain will bolster Sarri's goalscoring options after The Blues' boss opted to play Chelsea winger Eden Hazard in a more central position at points this campaign, much to the frustration of the fans who have only seen their team net four times in their last five games.
Stamford Bridge has been calling-out for an out-and-out finisher - can Higuain deliver? Let us know in the comments.
Words by Kane Allen
Topics: Gonzalo Higuain, Football News, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Football, Alvaro Morata, Premier League, AC Milan, Juventus, stamford bridge, Real Madrid
