It’s the worst-kept secret in football that Chelsea need a striker in this January’s transfer window, and it seems it could be one of Mauro Icardi or Gonzalo Higuain making their way from Italy to replace Alvaro Morata at Stamford Bridge.
But which Argentine goal machine would be the best addition for Maurizio Sarri’s side? Both have been among the finest goal-scorers in Serie A in recent years, so there’s probably not a lot in it.
MORE: Chelsea ready to gamble on risky striker transfer to replace Alvaro Morata
The Daily Mirror claim Icardi is a top target, while Marca suggest a move for Higuain is edging closer, so who knows what’s really going on?
Either way, we’ve taken a look at some pros and cons of both deals below – have a look and let us know who you think Chelsea should be signing…
Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi in action for Inter Milan
Age: 25
Club: Inter Milan
Goals since 2013: 120 in 204 games
First up, the pros – Icardi is younger than Higuain, has largely played for a lower-level side for all these years in Serie A, but still scored at a pretty similar rate.
One imagines in a team like Chelsea, who dominate the ball and create plenty of chances, Icardi could really shine.
The Argentina international also has that slightly nasty streak to his game that could make him a big hit in the Premier League, similarly to legendary front-men Didier Drogba and Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge.
On the down-side, as noted by the Mirror, Icardi has a £100million release clause and it’s hard to imagine Inter will see any reason to let him go for less than that as he’s a star player and it’s the middle of the season.
There may also be a case for saying Icardi’s off-field issues could be a little off-putting for the Blues – see this Bleacher Report piece here for details.