Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has said that Alvaro Morata could be heading through the Chelsea exit door after the club acquired the signature of Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus. The Argentine has only joined the Blues on a short-term loan from the Bianconeri but the club have the option to extend the stint by an additional year.

In a report covered by Sky Sports, Merson highlighted that the Blues’ recruitment of Higuain does not come as a surprise, given both Morata and Giroud have failed to meet the requirements of the manager. He added that Higuain’s arrival could pave the way for Morata’s exit with the Spaniard already deemed to have agreed terms with Atletico Madrid.

He penned: “With the misfiring Alvaro Morata and far from prolific Olivier Giroud registering just six Premier League goals between them this season – four less than Eden Hazard – it was not a surprise to see Chelsea in the market for a striker. Higuain’s arrival will pave the way for the departure of Morata. The Spaniard’s loan move to Atletico Madrid is expected to be completed soon.”

Higuain had looked short of his best form during the first half of the campaign where he spent time on loan with AC Milan. The Argentina international had been a regular feature for the Rossoneri across all competitions but he could only muster eight goals from nearly 25 appearances. Nonetheless, the Blues have recruited the Argentine under the recommendation of Sarri and the manager has recently suggested that the marksman offers more than just goals upfront.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table and they hold a three-point advantage over Arsenal and Manchester United for the final Champions League spot. Elsewhere, they have progressed to the League Cup final after getting the better of Tottenham Hotspur across the double-legged semi-final through a penalty shootout.