Transfer news: Gonzalo Higuain admits surprise at claims Chelsea want to sign him as Arsenal move continues to stall

Real Madrid striker is quoted in Spain as claiming that Jose Mourinho wants to sign him despite Arsenal interest

Gonzalo Higuain (GETTY IMAGES)

The transfer saga involving Gonzalo Higuain took another twist today when the striker was quoted as revealing that Jose Mourinho wants to bring him to Chelsea.

The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer, with a £23m deal seeming imminent not so long ago.

But while the move has been delayed for unknown reasons, Madrid have been reported as putting their asking price to £37m, potentially pricing Arsenal out of the market for the Argentinian.

Higuain played under Mourinho for the past three seasons, and while he had a disappointing campaign last time out, he insists that Mourinho does still want him.

As quoted in Spanish newspaper AS, Higuain said: “Mourinho want me there.”

The news comes in clear contrast to what Mourinho had to say yesterday, suggesting that Chelsea would be signing either Wayne Rooney or nobody.

When questioned whether there were any other transfers being planned at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho said emphatically: “No, and we won’t,” and having been asked if it was Rooney or bust, Mourinho replied: “Yes.”

The comments may be an attempt by Higuain to hurry a move to Arsenal that has dragged on beyond a month now, with very little movement having been seen since Arsenal said they were in negotiations over the fee.

Arsenal fans are already concerned that the Higuain deal could fall through, with alternatives looking unlikely as Luis Suarez will cost in excess if £40m and Rooney’s likely destination if any being Chelsea.

Should Mourinho make a move for Higuain, it would come as a huge surprise with Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba already on the books at Chelsea, while they made a failed bid for Rooney earlier this week.