As an Arsenal move for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic seems to move ever closer, interestingly speculation also continues to intensify over Arsene Wenger's determination in bringing in Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid.
It is a well-known fact now that Wenger has been given somewhere in the region of £70 million ($107 million) to spend in the summer transfer window - certain reports have suggested it might even be more than that - and the manager has identified several big-name players.
One of them is reportedly Higuain, who has been told by Real Madrid that he can leave the club in the summer transfer window.
Spanish newspaper Sport reported a couple of weeks ago that Arsenal had agreed personal terms with Higuain with the Argentine international set to sign a five-year contract, subject to Champions League qualification.
Well, with the North London side sealing a top-four finish on the final day of the season, that report, if true, certainly looks promising for all the Gooners out there.
After reports in Spain, speculation in the British press has intensified over a move for Higuain, with Arsenal lining up a move worth around £19 million ($29 million), which would be a club record fee; assuming of course Arsenal also do not agree a move for Jovetic at the same time or even earlier, for a bigger amount.
Wenger has made Higuain the priority signing, after learning about his availability in the summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Higuain is just the kind of player that Arsenal need; a striker who knows where the back of the net is -- although he has been criticized for being profligate in front of goal on occasion - and someone who knows how to play in the big games having spent six years with Real Madrid.
Wenger reportedly wanted Higuain before he made his move to the Bernabeu in 2007, but is now ready to bring the 25-year-old to the Emirates.
If Arsenal do manage to sign the Real Madrid striker, and that too early in the transfer window, it will be seen as a major statement of intent ahead of what promises to be an intriguing season, with the three clubs that finished above Arsenal all set to have new managers next season.
