Chelsea transfer news: How Blues could line up with Higuain and Paredes – Midfielder axed | Football | Sport

Chelsea have joined forces with Gonzalo Higuain and Leandro Paredes as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.

Manager Maurizio Sarri has been frustrated by a lack of goals from Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud, leading Eden Hazard to be deployed as a 'false nine'.

Higuain, who was prolific during the 2015/16 season under Sarri at Napoli, has been identified as the Blues No 1 January target.

The Argentine is currently at AC Milan on loan from Juventus, and Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with the striker's parent club concerning a move.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Higuain will join on loan for six months with an option to extend for a year and a buy option.

The 31-year-old's arrival will see Morata head for the exit, with Chelsea said to be in advanced talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal.

Meanwhile, Sarri is also on the hunt for a central midfielder as he looks for a replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

The veteran spaniard has moved to Monaco and with Danny Drinkwater still out of the picture at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are short of midfield cover.

Cagliari ace Nicolo Barella had been linked with a move but reportedly moved to a Zenit St Petersburg star.

The Argentina is valued at £ 36million, with the 24-year-old said to have agreed terms on a four-and-a-half year deal worth around £ 80,000-a-week.

Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley for the final spot in the Chelsea midfield alongside N'Golo Kante and Jorginho.

Higuain would come straight forward, shifting Hazard to the left and allowing Sarri the option of choosing between Willian, Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the right.

Chelsea predicted line-up with Gonzalo Higuain and Leandro Paredes

(4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Paredes, Pedro, Hazard, Higuain