Gonzalo Higuain poised for £42m Chelsea summer switch as Antonio Conte looks to Serie A to put his mark on squad

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Gonzalo Higuain is ready to move to Chelsea in a £42million deal this summer but is not prepared to be second choice behind Diego Costa.

Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has informed the Blues hierarchy of his desire to land the Argentine, and Sportsmail understands Higuain is open to moving to London, even if it means no Champions League football next season.

But Higuain is not prepared to join as a No 2 striker and wants assurances that he’ll be first choice.

Antonio Conte has informed Chelsea he wants to bring in Gonzalo Higuain (pictured) and the Argentine is keen

However the £42million deal is understood to hinge on Higuain replacing Diego Costa (pictured) as first choice

Costa holds that role at the moment and Higuain would be reluctant to join if the Spain international remains at the club.

However, there is ongoing interest in Costa from China, where he could net a deal worth a staggering £300,000 per week.

Atletico Madrid are also interested in re-signing the player they sold to Chelsea in 2014.

The 28-year-old Napoli star Higuain would be reluctant to join the Blues if Costa remains at the club

Chelsea are adamant they want to keep Costa next season but their move for Higuain is likely to soften their stance.

Likewise, the Blues insist Costa does not want to leave, however, should an offer arrive that suits both parties then the controversial striker would consider it.

Conte will target a number of big names this summer and is using his knowledge of Serie A in search of fresh blood.

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is expected to be one of the first to arrive.

Higuain follows Radja Nainggolan, Conte's expected first signing, as the latest Blues' target from Serie A