Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has stated that Gonzalo Higuain is to remain on loan at AC Milan for the second half of the season, despite growing interest from Chelsea.

The Argentina international recently emerged as a mid-season target for the Blues, who are desperate to further strengthen their forward line because of concerns over Olivier Giroud and particularly Alvaro Morata.

Higuain thrived under the management of Maurizio Sarri at Napoli and appeared to be on course for a reunion at Stamford Bridge this month, but the 31-year-old now looks likely to stay at San Siro for at least the next six months.

Despite netting just six times in 15 Serie A appearances this season, Milan do not want to send the striker back to parent club Juventus, forcing Chelsea to look elsewhere.

"He remains one of the best strikers in the world - he showed it in these seasons in Europe, he scored everywhere," Paratici is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.

"About his future, I think he's important for AC Milan, he's a great striker and they want to keep him.

"I know very well Gonzalo, he is a simple and passionate guy who lives every situation with great enthusiasm. It can happen even to the best players not to score for four or five games."

Higuain ended a nine-match goal drought with a vital strike in the 2-1 win over SPAL last weekend.