Higuaín agent in London; Atlético Madrid join Morata loan queue — reports

The decibel levels of Chelsea’s supposed machinations in the transfer market reached a new high in the last several hours, as Gonzalo Higuaín’s agent is reportedly in London and ready to do some post-Christmas shopping. But the sales are all over, Nicolas! I guess that must mean he’s here to do some negotiating with Chelsea.

The Standard says he’s here to “sound out” Chelsea’s interest in his brother. And this must be done in person? Does his phone not work? Weird.

As reported yesterday, Higuaín’s situation in Milan has soured significantly after a few harsh comments from AC Milan sporting director Leonardo, so he now wants Sarri to make it all better for him, or some such. But the man who has 1 fewer goal in 4 fewer appearances than Morata has not exactly been the same player who set the Serie A record for goals under Sarri at Napoli in 2015-16, and he’s turned 31 last month, so Chelsea taking over his contract is unlikely.

But a loan to the end of the season is a possibility, especially given all this noise, and especially if Morata can be loaned out as well.

ESPN reports that Chelsea do not want to (and in all likelihood probably also cannot) sell off Morata at this point, but are hoping that a half-season loan can increase his value and help us recover some of the massive investment made in him 18 months ago. Sevilla are apparently interested, and now Atlético Madrid, too, which seems hilarious as they are also trying to replace Diego Costa and Morata already failed at that task once.

“I don’t speak about players that aren’t with us, only those that are. I can’t confirm or deny anything because coaches wait to see what the club can do. Some players want more minutes, some could be sold by the club, some could arrive. We need to wait until January 31.”

-Diego Simeone; source: Goal

But, hey, that’s Silly Season for ya, so now you know. Carry on.