Wenger has been forced to turn his gaze to an alternative after Leicester Jamie Vardy snubbed a move to the Emirates choosing to remain at the King Power Stadium next season.
This is only indicative of Wenger’s desperate search for a striker and his willingness to keep his word; Evident in a statement, he made some weeks ago that he is going to lure three new players to the Emirates this summer.
Having completed the sign of highly-rated midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach last month, one can only expect more players this summer.
In the light of these events, several names have been linked with a move to the Emirates with the like Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette. At this moment, it is difficult to say who is it that Arsenal are ‘closest’ to signing.
The reports from Express claim that Arsenal are now the favourites to sign Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain despite the likes of Chelsea and PSG in the race for the Argentine international’s signature.
Higuain, 28, has once again been listed among Wenger’s targets and was formally linked with a move to the Emirates some years back.
The Gunners got a boost in their pursuit of the 28-year-old after the striker’s agent and brother, Nicolas Higuain, confirmed that the Argentine international wouldn’t be signing a new contract with Napoli as they don’t believe the club can compete with Serie A defending champions Juventus.
He has also said that his brother could be looking for a move to England, although there aren’t too many clubs who would be willing to meet his release clause reported to be a staggering 78 million pounds.
The Express claims Nicolas Higuain has been quoted :
“The President [Aurelio De Laurentiis] has the right to claim the money [€94m / £78.5m] from the clause, and we have the right not to renew,”
“In 2013 we decided to leave Real Madrid because we wanted a change of scenery. We arrived at Napoli with great enthusiasm, there was an ambitious project with Rafa Benitez at the helm,”
“There was talk of structural improvement and competing with Juve. In my opinion though, the project isn’t up to Gonzalo’s level.
“Napoli have given him a lot, and vice-versa, but the project is below expectations right now. It’s fine getting youngsters, but not to compete with Juve.
“Gonzalo will not renew, we’re confident of that given the situation of the project. We have a contract, and we’ll respect it, but we won’t change our opinion.
“There are signatures on contracts, so the club has the right to ask for the clause, just as we have the right to not renew.
“Who could he play for? Currently four or five teams. The great teams in Spain and England, one club in France [Paris Saint-Germain] and one in Germany [Bayern Munich]. Only they can afford him.”
I personally think Wenger will not spend that much money on just one player and would rather spend that money on two players.
Higuain’s qualities upfront are second to none, that is for certain, and were he available for a fee in the region of £50m, the chances of a deal materializing
He netted 36 goals in just 35 appearances so can you imagine what will be the out-come if he were to play next to Ozil and Sanchez.
