Arsenal Transfer News: Huge Gonzalo Higuain Blow Amid Juventus Talk, Top Rumours

Arsenal's hopes of landing reported transfer target Gonzalo Higuain are said to have suffered a significant blow, with Juventus close to landing the Napoli striker. 

That’s according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Rory Brigstock-Barron of MailOnline), which has stated the Italian champions are ready to make a whopping player-plus-cash offer for the Argentina man. It’s said they’ll bid £58.2 million for the forward, offering Roberto Pereyra and Rolando Mandragora to make up the striker’s (€94 million) £78.2 million release clause.

As noted by Brigstock-Barron, Higuain has long been linked with a possible move to the Emirates Stadium, “but according to the Italian media the deal is almost set in stone.”

However, per the aforementioned piece, it’s reported by TuttoNapoli that the son of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis told supporters, “it's just a hoax, you mustn't believe everything.”

The 28-year-old enjoyed the finest campaign of his career in 2015-16, netting 36 league goals in 35 appearances. Here is a look at them:

Football Italia reported there is still confusion over whether the release clause in Higuain’s contract remains active. According to the piece, Gazzetta believes the clause expired on June 30, while Gianluca Di Marzio and Calciomercato.com have suggested the €94 million trigger amount is still valid.

While the Bianconeri recovered after a poor start to the season to win the league title comfortably, Napoli were the team that looked most likely to put them under pressure. That was, in the main, due to the sensational goalscoring of their No. 9.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Indeed, Higuain cemented his world-class credentials last term. While he may be renowned as a footballer who can shirk the big occasion, he’s as lethal as they come in front of goal. Serie A defences struggled to cope with his sharp movement in the penalty area and his ability to hit the target from a range of positions.

Although he was the standout player in Serie A last season, Bleacher Report’s Adam Digby is unsure whether Juventus should be parting with so much for the striker:

"

Very good point raised in @AroundJFans chat. If you can afford €94m for Higuain, why not go for Icardi? Cheaper fee/salary, 6 years younger?

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) July 14, 2016"

Juve seem intent on building a side that can win the UEFA Champions League in the short term, though, with the capture of veteran defender Dani Alves and midfield maestro Miralem Pjanic big statements of intent.

Arsenal would love to add a striker of Higuain’s calibre to their ranks, but the Bianconeri look set to blow them out of the water.

Arsenal Put Alexandre Lacazette Pursuit on Hold

ROMAIN LAFABREGUE/Getty Images

Arsenal’s search for a new striker may have to extend beyond Lyon man Alexandre Lacazette, according to Get French Football News.

“After being quoted a fee worth €50 million plus bonuses (for an overall fee worth around €60 million) for the player, Arsenal have put Alexandre Lacazette to one side, as they assess the availability and viability of other targets,” it’s stated.

The piece said the Gunners have held an interest in landing the France international forward and have held talks through an intermediary about a possible deal. Here is a look at the talent he possesses:

Lacazette has blossomed in the French top flight over the last two seasons, giving Lyon a prolific presence up top. He would give the Gunners something refreshing in advanced positions, with his raw pace, dribbling ability and penchant for stretching opposition defenders.

But he’s another striker who seems to be outside the club’s price range. It’s no surprise Lyon want top dollar for the forward, as the market is inflated and replacing him will prove to be extremely difficult. Meanwhile, Arsenal need to realise that if they want an elite player to lead the line, he won’t come cheap.