Chelsea have announced the signing of striker Gonzalo Higuain, who joins the Premier League club on loan from Juventus until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old striker spent the first half of the campaign on loan at AC Milan where he scored eight goals.

Higuain will be reunited with Maurizio Sarri, who were together at Napoli in 2015/16, when he finished as top scorer in Serie A with 36 goals, breaking a long-standing Italian record.

The former Real Madrid striker will wear the number nine shirt at Chelsea and will provide Sarri with some much-needed firepower upfront.

Upon completing his loan move to Chelsea, Higuain admitted to the club’s website that he has always wanted to play in the Premier League.

‘When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself, I had to take it. It’s a team I’ve always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I’ve always wanted to play in.

‘I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can’t wait to start, and I hope to adapt as soon as possible.’

Chelsea Director Marina Granovskaia added, ‘Gonzalo was our number one target in this transfer window and arrives with a proven record at the highest level. He has previously worked with Maurizio to great effect and is familiar with how the coach likes to play.

‘This was not an easy deal for us to do because of the numerous parties involved, but we are delighted we were able to make it happen and we look forward to seeing the impact Gonzalo will make for us in the second half of the season.’