Chelsea transfer news: Higuain raid and Hazard future clue to Abramovich plans - Merson

CHELSEA signing Gonzalo Higuain this month is a gamble, according to Paul Merson.

Chelsea transfer news: Gonzalo Higuain could be set to move to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea transfer news: Gonzalo Higuain could be set to move to Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

The Blues are closing in on the Argentine striker with Maurizio Sarri looking to bolster his attack.

Chelsea have been playing Eden Hazard as a false No.9 in recent matches because of the poor form of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud.

But Merson thinks signing Higuain is a gamble.

And the pundit also believes if Chelsea sell Eden Hazard in the summer it will mean Roman Abramovich is no longer interested in competing for the Premier League.

He told the Daily Star: “Chelsea are taking a big gamble signing Gonzalo Higuain and I think we are about to find out whether Roman Abramovich’s heart is still in it.

“I’m not sure about this transfer at all.

“It took Paul Pogba a while to settle down when he came back from Italy and Higuain might not hit the ground running either.

“You have to be in shape to play here and he looks top heavy to me. He’s hardly in the form of his life either, and he’s 31.

“It’s a strange one. Chelsea need someone who is already proven in this league. Someone they won’t have to wait for while he adjusts.

Chelsea: Sarri says he doesn’t know when Higuain will sign

Chelsea transfer news: Paul Merson is concerned

Chelsea transfer news: Paul Merson is concerned (Image: GETTY)

“Higuain was a great striker but he hasn’t looked great this season and you won’t get much out of him long-term at his age.

“It doesn’t exactly convince you that Abramovich is going to back the manager if his big striker signing is a loan, does it?

“It reminds me of what happened with David Moyes at Manchester United. He was promised all these big-name players. But then it was like ‘Oh we can’t get anyone, I’ll get someone I know like Marouane Fellaini. He did well for me’.

“I look at this and I wonder what’s going on with Abramovich. There has been lots of talk about him selling up at Chelsea, he doesn’t seem to go to matches any more, and his recent signings have been more about the investment.

“They spent loads of money on Christian Pulisic, for instance – but they obviously think he could eventually end up being worth much more, and his profile means they can make money off him in the USA as well.

Chelsea transfer news: Maurizio Sarri is looking to strengthen his side

Chelsea transfer news: Maurizio Sarri is looking to strengthen his side (Image: GETTY)

“If Eden Hazard goes next summer for £100m we will find out whether Abramovich still wants to compete at the top.

“If they spend that money, we’ll know he’s still committed. But I think he’s looking at Manchester City and starting to wonder.

“It could cost Chelsea hundreds of millions of pounds to catch up with City once you factor in wages.

“They have blown everyone else out of the water with their spending power. Maybe he’ll decide it’s not worth it any more, who knows?”

Chelsea return to Premier League action against Arsenal at the Emirates later today at 5.30pm.

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