Arsenal have opened the bidding for Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain after revelations that the striker wants to leave the Serie A outfit this summer.
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According to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, the Argentina international has made the decision that he wishes to leave the Stadio San Paolo in the coming weeks and isn’t interested in seeing out his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
Calciomercato state that the Gunners have made an opening bid of €60m for the former Real Madrid striker’s signature, and the report suggests that Arsene Wenger should first reach an agreement with Higuain’s representatives before beginning negotiations with Napoli.
The 27-year-old has come under intense criticism recently for his performance in the Copa America final – which saw Argentina lose to the hosts Chile on penalties – after failing to convert a clear opening at goal in the final moments of extra time and blazing his spot kick wildly over the bar.
However, 18 goals in 37 Serie A appearances is testament to the forward’s quality, while the striker also managed seven goals in 14 Europa League appearances.
Arsenal have also been heavily linked with the Argentine’s former Los Blancos team-mate Karim Benzema [Metro], as well as Olympique Lyonnais’ Alexandre Lacazette [via the Mirror], as Wenger looks to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title next season.
The speculation that the French manager is chasing a new forward this summer suggests that perhaps confidence in Olivier Giroud’s ability to fire the north London giants to long-awaited domestic glory is dwindling.