Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Huge Signings Wanted by Antonio Conte

Chelsea are reportedly plotting a sensational £38 million move for Serie A top scorer Gonzalo Higuain in the summer.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told Sky Sports the Blues are targeting the Napoli frontman in a transfer that could see Diego Costa depart Stamford Bridge (via James Gray of Daily Express): "Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48m [about £37.8m]. Higuain is seriously considering it, and if he does move to Stamford Bridge, then there would be the possibility that Costa would have to be sold."

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Higuain has been nothing short of lethal since making the switch to Naples from Real Madrid in 2013, and his form this season has been exceptional.

The Argentinian has scored 33 goals in 34 league games so far in 2015/16, per WhoScored.com, breaking an age-old record in the process.

As Bleacher Report UK revealed, Higuain is the first player since 1959 to score 33 goals in a single Serie A season:

His goals have played a huge part in Napoli’s success this term, and journalist James Horncastle recently sang his praises on BT Sport’s European Football Show:

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been a little goal-shy in the Premier League this year, with Costa only finding the net 12 times.

The Blues’ problems are a lot deeper than that, of course, but landing a striker capable of notching more than 30 league goals in a single campaign would once again make them a team to be feared.

Should Higuain makes the switch to Stamford Bridge, Costa could head back to Atletico Madrid.

However, as Balague remarked, the Spanish side may not be able to afford to buy the striker or meet his wage demands:

"

It's very difficult for Atletico, and Diego Simeone in particular. Simeone has told Atletico Madrid he only wants three players. Diego, Costa and Diego Costa. He's determined to get him but it's not easy to get him as he will have to reduce his wages big time and I'm not sure Atletico will be able to put a huge offer on the table for him. It's one to keep an eye in the future because they certainly want him.

"

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Elsewhere, Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Juventus star Paul Pogba, who has hinted he’s happy at Juventus.

When looking back over a successful Serie A campaign, the Frenchman said he’s matured as a player but that he’s still seeking perfection, per Joe Short of Daily Express: "I’m satisfied with my season, I think I grew up. This is demonstrated by the statistics, assists, goals. I beat all my records this year, I’m pretty proud of myself. This is demonstrated by the statistics, assists, goals. I beat all my records this year, I’m pretty proud of myself."

Daniel Dal Zennaro/Associated Press

Chelsea’s starting lineup is still one of the best in the Premier League, but strength in depth is seriously lacking at Stamford Bridge.

New manager Antonio Conte will need to make some very intelligent signings if he’s to reverse the Blues’ fortunes, and landing Higuain wouldn’t be a bad way to start the recovery.