Jose wants me! Higuain delivers crushing blow to Arsenal's plans as he claims Chelsea are ready to bid

Are you sitting comfortably? Gonzalo Higuain (centre) is wanted by a number of big clubs around Europe

Gonzalo Higuain has dropped a stunning transfer bombshell after claiming new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign him.

The Argentine is one of most sought after centre forwards in Europe this summer after a disappointing season in the Spanish capital, ironically under Mourinho.

He scored 16 times in La Liga, his fewest in five years - aside from an injury hit campaign in 2011 - but has attracted interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus and Napoli.

And now the 25-year-old claims that Chelsea have throw their hat into the ring.

Mourinho has this week insisted that his priority this summer is luring Wayne Rooney from Manchester United, with the club having two bids already rejected by Old Trafford chiefs. 

In the chase: Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are both desperate to strengthen their attack force.

On Wednesday, the Portuguese ramped up the on-going dispute with his rivals. ]Less than 24 hours after sources close to Rooney revealed the ‘angry and confused’ striker was ready to submit a written transfer request because manager David Moyes had suggested the 27-year-old would not be his first-choice forward, Chelsea put in an official offer of around £22million.

It was rejected by United but Chelsea will now return with an improved bid of £25m - plus £3m in add-ons - and may even go as high as £30m to get their man.

Asked whether his club were pursuing other targets, Mourinho was emphatic. ‘No, and we won’t,’ he said. Asked if it was Rooney or bust, Mourinho replied: ‘Yes.’

Missing piece: Both managers are also keeping tabs on the situation with Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.

Arsenal, the leaders for so long in the race for Higuain, are also keeping tabs on the Rooney situation and will doubtless crank up their pursuit should the comments in Spain bear fruit.

Newspaper AS claims that a bid no less than £37million will tempted them into selling Higuain, adding quotes from the player, who says: 'Mourinho want me there.'

A switch to Stamford Bridge alongside Mourinho would surprise many considering it was the lack of action last season which forced the player into going public with his desire to leave.