Arsenal Transfer News: Breaking Down Latest Twist in Gonzalo Higuain Saga

Gonzalo Higuain is a talented striker ready to flourish once placed in a more prominent role. Arsenal need a player of his caliber to lead their attack after inconsistent production last season. On the surface, it seems like a perfect match.

So it didn't come as a major surprise when the rumors started flying after the campaign ended. Arsenal were a logical landing spot for the Real Madrid star given the direct path to extensive playing time.

Higuain's father added fuel to the speculation late last month when he told Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport an agreement was close with two clubs, as passed along by James Dickenson of the Daily Express.

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And the Argentine's dad Jorge Higuain has admitted his son is close to agreeing a switch to the Emirates, telling Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport: "Nothing has been signed yet, but I can assure you that an agreement with both Arsenal and Juventus has almost been reached.

"Real Madrid will make the final decision."

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After a period of continued uncertainty, Wayne Veysey of Goal.com reported last week that Arsenal had made an improved offer for Higuain. At that point, it sounded like the saga was nearing its conclusion and a deal was imminent.

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Arsenal have made an improved offer of €27 million for Gonzalo Higuain.

The Gunners are confident their new bid will be enough to secure the Real Madrid striker, with sources saying the fee could be agreed by the two clubs 'within the next 24 hours.'

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Nothing happened. It wasn't a total shock, of course. Progress during the transfer window tends to move slowly as clubs and players examine all of their options. Add in the endless talk about potential deals, and things can get crazy during the window.

Yet, at the very least, it appeared Arsenal were seriously considering Higuain and a potential agreement could be in place at any moment.

Alas, the saga took another turn when Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was asked directly about the situation. Sky Sports provided his unexpected response.

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"We don't want Higuain to leave.

"What's more no-one from Arsenal has come to us and made us any offers at all for him. There are no offers on the table."

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Instead of a deal being within striking distance, Perez makes it sound like one hasn't even reached the advanced stages. His comments throw everything into a tailspin, leaving Arsenal fans unsure of exactly where things stand.

Although it certainly doesn't mean a deal between the Gunners and Real Madrid won't eventually get reached, it does suggest there's a lot more work left to do than prior reports made it seem. Apparently, an offer isn't even on the table right now.

Assuming Perez's remarks are accurate and he isn't simply trying to improve his negotiation position, Arsenal must step up their pursuit of Higuain. They can't expect to enter next season without any attacking upgrades and expect markedly different results.

Higuain tallied 17 goals and seven assists in 37 La Liga and Champions League matches last season. He did that despite serving in an inconsistent role for the talented Spanish side. With Arsenal, he would be a much bigger factor.

Exactly where things stand now is more unclear than ever. The speculation will continue, but it sounds like Arsenal have plenty of work to do if they have legitimate interest in landing the Real Madrid striker.

Perhaps the perfect match isn't one after all.