Higuain's move to Milan confirmed, Juventus swaps Caldara for Bonucci

Milan/Turin [Italy], Aug 02 (ANI): Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain will complete a move to A. C. Milan in an 18 million Euro one-year loan deal, with the two Serie A rivals also swapping centre backs Leonardo Bonnucci and Mattia Caldara.

The deal for Higuain gives Milan the option to make the move for the Argentine permanent the following season for an additional 36 million Euros, reported Goal.

The move is sensible, both in terms of finance and football, with the arrival of former Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo threatening Higuain's first team starting place, and the almost 340 million Euros (transfer fee + wages) Juventus will end up spending on the Portuguese brings in the need to balance the books.

However, the Bianconeri's move to bring in a 31-year old Bonucci in exchange for a 24-year-old Caldara, who was bought from Atalanta in January 2017 to inject youth into an aging backline, remains bemusing to many.

Bonucci spent a single season at Milan as he was bought from Juve for a reported fee in the range of 42 million Euros, and will return to the club where he made his reputation as one of the world's best defenders after a troubled season at San Siro.

Meanwhile, Caldara will be a great signing for the Rossoneri, with the 24-year-old having scored more goals and made tackles and interceptions than Bonucci in 11 fewer games played last season.

The Old lady were originally persistent to add a buyback clause for Caldara's deal, although, it was later dropped during negotiations.

The two centre-backs will travel to the US to complete their moves, while Higuain is expected to travel to Milan for a medical and complete his move. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI