Arsenal Transfer News: Gonzalo Higuain Bid Reported, Nabil Fekir Rumours Grow

Arsenal have reportedly tabled a bid for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to build a squad capable of winning the Premier League next season.  

The north London outfit's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday pushed them ever closer to an automatic spot in next season's Champions League group stage.

Contrarily, Napoli's Europa League exit and current fourth-place position in Serie A means they are unlikely to qualify for Europe's top competition in 2015-16.

It seems then that the Argentinian Higuain could well be tempted away from Naples this summer, and Arsenal have reportedly put in a bid in an attempt to sign the striker, per Metro's George Bellshaw.

The Gunners have had a fine end to the season—so good, in fact, that Bleacher Report's James McNicholas gives them a 50 per cent chance of winning the English league title next season:

However, there is still a question surrounding their strength in depth, especially in the strike department, with former Gunner Thierry Henry recently questioning the ability of Olivier Giroud, per Sky Sports (via beIN Sports USA):

The 27-year-old Higuain is a proven goalscorer at the highest level having performed for Real Madrid, Napoli and the Argentinian national team.

He is a deadly finisher, and he has scored 16 Serie A goals this season, per WhoScored.com, while making an impressive impact in the Europa League, per Squawka:

Arsenal look set to face competition from Atletico Madrid for Higuain's signature, and they will likely have to shell out at least £30 million if they are to snap him up, per Marca (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express).

It would be money well spent, however. Arsenal have consistently struggled with a lack of depth and competition in key areas.

Bringing in Higuain would not only add greater quality to the Emirates front line but push Giroud as he would have to fight to keep his starting spot.

Nabil Fekir Scouted

David Vincent/Associated Press/Associated Press

Arsenal have been casting their eye over Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir, with reports suggesting Brian McDermott was sent by the Gunners to scout the 21-year-old Frenchman at the weekend, per M365 (via talkSPORT).

Recently named as Young Player of the Year in Ligue 1, Fekir has been mightily impressive, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists as a No. 10 and a striker, per WhoScored.

It is unsurprising that Arsenal are interested in Fekir, with Wenger having a history of scouting young French talent from Ligue 1.

However, based on previous comments from the player, it seems that he will not be making the switch to north London this summer, per Canal+ (via GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal):

This is likely a smart move from the youngster as he will continue to get more game time at Lyon than he would if he made the switch to Arsenal now.

Expect him to stay on the Gunners' radar, though, potentially with a move coming in 2016.