Incoming Chelsea FC head coach Antonio Conte is ready to snag Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín from Serie A squad SSC Napoli this summer for £42 million.

Conte has reportedly advised Chelsea's senior team officials of his plan to acquire the former Real Madrid star in the summer transfer window and it is speculated that this season's dethroned defending champions are already preparing the amount required for the team to get Higuaín.

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The 28-year-old Argentina international, the Italian top flight's best goalscorer this season with 32 goals in 33 appearances for Partenopei, is said to be also looking forward to moving to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, but he wants to be the first choice striker of Conte if he agrees with the deal, as reported by Daily Mail Online.

That position is currently held by Spanish striker Diego Costa, who has currently struggled with the Blues this season, scoring only 11 goals in 27 games.

The report noted that Higuaín "would be reluctant to join (Chelsea) if the Spain international remains at the club" as there are no indications which one of the two goal scorers would Conte prefer to be in the starting eleven.

However, recent reports were out that Costa has a £300,000 ($433,000) a week offer from the Chinese Super League and that the Brazil-born Spain international is already considering the deal, which could make the decision easier for Conte.

Costa's former club, Atletico Madrid, is also said to be interested in bringing back the Spaniard home in the summer.

Blues officials are allegedly keen on keeping Costa beyond this season, but Conte's reported interest to sign Higuaín "is likely to soften their stance".

Meanwhile, Caught Offside indicated that "it seems more likely that Costa would seek a transfer, rather than settle for extended periods on the sidelines, especially considering he is said to be a wanted man".

While the 27-year-old Spanish forward is said to be not in a hurry to leave the Stamford Bridge anytime soon, the right deal will most probably lure him away from England and into a more lucrative contract whether in the Far East or back in Spain.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2016, Chelsea FC, Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli, gonzalo higuain