Paul Merson has suggested that Gonzalo Higuain might fail to hit the mark with Chelsea in the Premier League.
Since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, Higuain has been linked with a reunion with his former boss whom he worked with at Napoli, where he set a Serie A record of 36 goals in 35 appearances in 2016.
While a summer transfer never materialised, the Argentine will finally make the move to Stamford Bridge following the announcement of a deal having been agreed between the west Londoners and Juve for the loan signing of Higuain until the end of the season. The deal also includes a clause saying it could then be extended for a further 12 months following the completion of certain conditions.
Higuain, who has been on loan at AC Milan since the start of the season, has been earmarked by Sarri to add firepower to his underwhelming attack. The impending arrival of the 31-year-old Argentine striker could finally pave the way for Alvaro Morata’s exit from the club, with Atletico Madrid his mooted destination.
However, Merson believes that the former Napoli hitman, who has six goals in 15 starts for the Rossoneri this season, may struggle to impose himself in the unforgiving arena of the England topflight.
“I’m not sure on him,” said the football pundit. “He was a great player but looks below his best of late. He hasn’t pulled up trees for a while and now he’s coming to the hardest league in the world.
“He won’t have any time to adapt either as he needs to hit the ground running as Chelsea need someone to play as their focal point.
“I’d rather someone that has played in the Premier League before and knows what this league demands.”
It is understood Chelsea are trying to get the move sealed in time to allow Higuain to make his debut in the Premier League against Arsenal this weekend.
