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Football

13th May 2018

Álvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuaín could swap clubs this summer, depending on one crucial factor

It could be the most logical move for everyone involved

Reuben Pinder

We all love a swap deal

The swap deal is a rare occurrence in the world of football transfers. There are too many factors that can scupper the deal. Both players involved must want to move, their agents must negotiate contracts that please all parties, not to mention the managers at each club need to be keen on the deal. Due to the complexity of the swap deal, we don’t see them often, but that could change this summer.

Tuttosport are reporting that Álvaro Morata could be heading back to Juventus, with Gonzalo Higuaín joining Chelsea, but it all hinges on one thing: Maurizio Sarri replacing Antonio Conte as Chelsea boss.

Sarri has led Napoli’s title challenge this season and ultimately fallen short, but his team’s style of football has been impressive and attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. He has been strongly linked with the Chelsea job, with the possibility of Conte replacing him at Napoli also floating around too.

If Chelsea hire him, Sarri is apparently very keen on bringing Higuaín, who he had at Napoli for one season in 2015-16, to Stamford Bridge. Morata has spearheaded Chelsea’s attack for most of this season but his form took a nosedive after he picked up a back injury. A swap deal could be the most logical solution to everyone’s needs in this situation.

The obvious obstacle is that Juventus would have to be convinced to sell Higuaín, but if the player pushes for the move, they might have to let him go. This feels like a saga that go on for a long time.