Rumour Mill - £15M Argentine Striker A Possibility?

An interesting rumour today can be found lurking in the Mail, since that particular paper is one step away from a tabloid, their rumours tend to be utter drivel, but I actually really hope there is some truth in this one.

According to the newspaper Real Madrid are ready to listen to offers for Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, to make the story even more interesting they reckon that Jose Mourinho could be ready to let him go for as little as £15million...surely this a no brainer.

The striker would cost LESS than Jo, think about that for a second, the Brazilian striker supposedly cost £20million (how much of that we paid remains to be seen, much of that was apparently based on appearances and other criteria) and for the money he has provided 6 goals in 38 appearances, only 1 of those coming in the league, nothing more really needs to be said about the 24 year old.

Higuain on the other hand has a fantastic scoring record and has demonstrated himself to be a fine footballer.  After performing very well for River Plate in South America he made the move for Real Madrid, costing the Spanish side €13million.  His form there has been excellent, netting 77 goals in 166 games as well as providing 26 assists.

I think clearly he would be a great addition if he was willing to be part of a squad set up, there are question marks over that since his growing frustration at Madrid is due to a lack of first team opportunities.  He has only appeared in 17 La Liga games this season  due to a back injury but he did manage 10 goals in that time, I find it quite baffling why he isn't their first choice striker.  If he could be tempted to move however I think he would be a tremendous asset, especially if Carlos Tevez leaves.

In an extension to the story however, the players father has spoken out and claimed that his son would like to stay in Spain and fight for a place in the first team, he said:

"A lot of clubs like my son....We are honoured by their interest, but Gonzalo wants to remain in Spain with Real Madrid.".

Clearly this could make a deal more difficult to put together, but in the end money talks and if Madrid do really want to get rid of him the player may have very little choice.  An ideal situation would be a swap deal involving Emmanuel Adebayor, but there would still be the problem of assuring the player that there would be enough opportunities for him to play.  Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested and it is highly conceivable that they would be a more attractive option since they would offer him definite first team football every week.

If he could be convinced though this is one deal that I think would be fantastic, and would really help us going forward.

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Football Pictures

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Football Poster

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Football Wallpaper

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Football Picture

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Celebration

Gonzalo Higuain World Cup 2010 Argentina Football Player

Gonzalo Higuain: The Main Man in Madrid

Currently Real Madrid boast some of the biggest Football names in the World, including the likes of players such as Kaka, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, club captain Raul, Xabi Alonso and of course the unforgettable Cristiano Ronaldo, aptly named the "Galactico's". However despite these Superstars, one playing has seemingly slipped under the radar, despite in my opinion being one the brightest and best players in Europe, Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain.

Some would say, how could a Real Madrid player slip under the radar? or be one of the brightest players in Europe and not be noticed? Well simple, because of the big money singings named above!

Higuain joined Real Madrid in 2006, for a fee of just €13 million, from Argentine Primera Division side River Plate, billed as having a "enormous future" and being "destined for stardom" by than manager (and Argentina legend) Daniel Passarella. He has been knicknamed in and around Spain as "El Pipita", in honour of his footballing Father, Jorge Higuain.

Here's all you need to know:

Name: Gonzalo Higuain
DOB: 22/12/1987 Age: 22
Height: 6ft
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: River Plate Current Club: Real Madrid
Shirt Number: 20

In Europe, the names of Torres, Messi, Rooney, Drogba and fellow team mate Ronaldo all come up in arguments when vying for the accolade of "Best Striker in the World". Although Higuain may not be amongst those ranks right now, he looks as if he has all the attributes to point him in the right direction, and put him amongst the mix in the near future.

Playing amongst some of the biggest names in World Football, it's clear that despite the undoubted pressure cooker that is; playing every week at the Santiago Bernabeu, he boasts a commendable record of 54 goals, in 98 appearances, along with an addition 19 assists. A record that is as good as any other in Europe, and if continued, can put him amongst the best to wear the White shirt of Real, along with two La Liga titles to boot.

The Argentine established himself as the focal point of the Real attack, heading up the 4-2-3-1 formation, keeping the likes of Karim Benzema and Real Madrid icon Raul out of the side. He has displayed a knack for beating defenders combined with an injection of pace in the final third. The 22 year old poses excellent dribbling skills, as good as any other attacker, and of course an eye for goal. Tied with great awareness in and around the 18 yard area, he established himself in the hearts of Madrid fans at the end of his 1st season in Spain; scoring a vital goal against Espanyol, leading Real to take the La Liga crown from bitter rivals Barcelona.

Currently he has guided Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, and is battling it out with the likes of Valencia's David Villa and the 2009 World Player of the Year; FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, in the race for the Pichichi (Spain's Golden Boot Award). He has score 16 goals in in just 19 appearances, establishing himself as the number one striker at the club, but question were raised about his performances away from La Liga, especially in the the Champions League whereby his displays and ability at this level have indeed been called into question, whereby the Striker has brushed off the criticism. It now seems it will be sooner rather than later before he adapts to Europe's top club competition, scoring important goals. Whatever the case, it seems that whoever's in charge at the Bernabeu in the future, and what may come from now on, it's clear Higuain is a true Madridista now, and for years to come.