Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea: Jose Mourinho prepares move for long-term Arsenal target

A move for the former Real Madrid striker would put Diego Costa's future at the club in doubt

Tuesday 10 November 2015 09:57 GMT

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain (Getty Images)

Chelsea’s search for a new striker has led the club to renew their interest in Napoli frontman and long-term Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain, according to reports.

The Argentina international has attracted the defending Premier League champions’ attention in the past and, with the club’s current striking options struggling to find the net, manager Jose Mourinho is now prepared to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

However, according to a report by the Daily Mirror, a move for Higuain is unlikely to be successful until next summer.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Show all 11

1/11Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Asmir Begovic - 6 out of 10

Made a superb save to deny Johnson early on, but will feel he could have done more to keep Arnautovic’s superb volley out after getting a hand to the shot.

2015 Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Cesar Azpilicueta - 4 out of 10

After a relatively comfortable first half, the defender – playing once again at right-back – failed to mark Arnautovic closely enough before he scored.

2015 Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Kurt Zouma - 5 out of 10

Had the perfect chance to open the scoring for the visitors but went too early and was flagged as offside. However, after having a near-perfect first half in terms of his defensive work, he panicked while trying to clear Johnson’s cross out of Walters’ way, and it eventually fell to goalscorer Arnautovic.

2015 Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

John Terry - 4 out of 10

Should have communicated better with Baba Rahman in the build-up to the opener after running out of position to try and track the run of Johnson – but ultimately failed to do so after he allowed the Stoke defender to get his cross in.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Baba Rahman - 4 out of 10

Lost the battle on the left flank with Shaqiri several times – getting a yellow card for a foul on the Stoke winger in the process – before failing to do enough to stop Johnson from getting his cross into the box in the build-up to the opener.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Nemanja Matic - 5 out of 10

Kept Bojan quiet in the first half, winning tackles and distributing the ball well although he did deliver one disappointing pass to no one as Chelsea looked to attack one final time in the first half. However, he struggled to keep a hold of Stoke’s attacking players in the second period.

2015 Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Ramires - 5 out of 10

Had two great chances to hand Chelsea the opener in the first half but poked his first wide before being denied by Butland with his second.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Eden Hazard - 6 out of 10

His pace caused Johnson several problems and the Belgian was important in driving Chelsea’s attacking plays forwards as well as setting up his teammates for chances although they couldn’t convert them.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Pedro - 6 out of 10

Linked up well with Willian and Hazard and ran riot across the width of pitch in the first half before being unlucky to hit the post as Chelsea trailed 1-0. Came off with 20 minutes to go but enjoyed a positive match on his return from injury.

2015 Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Willian - 6 out of 10

Was one of Chelsea’s better players at the Britannia Stadium – as he has been for the Blues all season – but saw his creative powers restricted when compared to against Dynamo Kiev after being played in the middle instead of the flank.

Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City

Diego Costa - 5 out of 10

Should have scored when he failed to stretch out in time to meet Hazard’s cross, while looking slightly unsure in front of goal during some of his other chances.

2015 Getty Images

If the former Real Madrid striker were to move to Stamford Bridge, the deal would put the future of Diego Costa in doubt.

Chelsea’s top scorer last season has only notched twice in the league this term but, thanks to the lack of goals within the squad, he has retained his status as the club’s first-choice striker.

Fellow frontman Radamel Falcao, currently injured, has just one goal to his name while Loic Remy, Chelsea’s only other recognised striker, is yet to register his name on a Premier League scoresheet this season.

Mourinho’s side currently sit 16th in the league table following a disastrous start to their title defence.

The club have lost seven of their opening twelve league fixtures. No defending English top-flight champion has lost more than half of its opening 12 games since league football’s inception in 1888.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies