Arsenal are considering a big-money move for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to Di Marzio, an Italian journalist.
Di Marzio has a mixed record when it comes to predicting transfers, although it should be noted that he has simply said Arsenal are considering a bid, not that any official bid has been made, yet.
He says that Arsenal do not want to pay the €94million release clause, but may offer Napoli Olivier Giroud in a bid to lower the asking price. It is very hard to believe this considering Arsene Wenger’s faith in Giroud, and also the fact that Napoli are unlikely to value the Frenchman any higher than €30million – leaving the Gunners with a very large fee still to pay.
Higuain is exactly what Arsenal need, although he turns 29 in December he is the definition of a prolific goalscorer. He has scored goals all through he career but it was last season where he really exploded and found his best form. During his three seasons at Napoli he has scored 71 goals in 103 games. Last season he broke a Serie A record scoring 36 goals in 35 games.
He also has a decent international record, scoring 30 goals in 63 caps.
His report suggests that Napoli have also received a proposal from China – with a Chinese club willing to pay his release clause, Higuain though, would surely reject a move to the country.
If Wenger was to bid seriously for Higuain it would highlight his ambition to sign a proven goalscorer now. He appears to not want to wait around for someone like Alvaro Morata to come good, he wants goals now. That first became obvious when Arsenal moved for Jamie Vardy, who turns 30 next season. He was available for £20million, the cheapest Higuain will be is around £60million and even then it is hard to see the strict Napoli board parting ways with their star man.
This is a similar attitude that Sir Alex Ferguson had when he signed Robin van Persie, a year before retiring. With Arsene Wenger’s contract expiring at the end of next season and moves for Vardy and Higuain mooted – it could be a clear indication that it may be Arsene’s final season at the club.
Follow us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal to ensure you miss nothing this summer.