Gonzalo Higuain Transfer News: Latest Details, Rumours on Napoli Star

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is courting widespread interest this summer, but the Serie A giants will battle to retain their star's services after alerting Manchester United and Arsenal of his release clause.

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Higuain Suitors Must Meet £72 Million Buy-Out Fee

Wednesday, June 17

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has left no illusion regarding his intention to keep hold of Higuain this summer, proclaiming the player will only move if his release clause is activated.

Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via ITV) this week, De Laurentiis stated Higuain would only be sold if a "madman" were to come in offering the necessary £72 million (€100 million) amount:

"Higuain's future? If a player has a contract this contract has to be respected. If a madman arrives and offers to pay his buy-out clause then one must consider it. Otherwise Pipita (Higuain) will remain here."

Cesare Abbate/Associated Press

Higuain's position in Naples had been thrown into some doubt following Napoli's failure to secure a place in next season's Champions League, finishing fifth in the Italian top flight.

The departure of manager Rafa Benitez has only seen that speculation intensified further, with ITV reporting Manchester United, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid as being among those sides interested in Higuain's services.

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Higuain is currently away with the Argentina squad at the Copa America in Chile, which could have some impact on how quickly a deal could be done for the former Real Madrid hitman.

Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com recently compared the 27-year-old's statistics alongside some of Europe's other in-demand front men:

Manchester United are looking to fill the void left by Radamel Falcao after his season-long loan at Old Trafford came to an end, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger needs reinforcements for Olivier Giroud.

Higuain's contract at the Stadio San Paolo doesn't expire until 2018, meaning De Laurentiis is under no pressure to sell, but without Champions League football, he may find it hard to keep hold of his leading man.