Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain could be set to stay in Italy after Juventus have reportedly made a staggering bid to secure the striker’s services.
The Argentine is one of the hottest prospects in Europe right now with a number of top clubs vying for his signature. Chelsea and Liverpool were reported to be interested in the striker amidst talks of a contract extension at Napoli as the Blues were prepared to replace Spanish striker Diego Costa with Higuain.
The contract talks between the player and the Serie A club seem to have stalled as the striker reportedly did not want a contract extension at the Partenopei. In the last couple of days, Arsenal were considered to be favourites after offering French striker Olivier Giroud in exchange for Higuain along with a fee around the €60m mark (via Gazzetta dello Sport).
In a fresh development, Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Juventus have made a humongous bid just shy of the Argentine’s release clause of €94.7m and are now front-runners to snap up the world-class striker. The report goes on to state that Juventus had earlier made a €75m plus Roberto Pereyra offer to Napoli but have since been forced to up their bid due to Arsenal’s high bid.
Gazzetta report that the bid comes after Juventus’ majority shareholder Exor had given their nod to move for the Serie A maverick. The Italian club have been on the market for a striker after Real Madrid decided to exercise their buyback option on Spanish international Alvaro Morata, and have now set their sights on the prolific goalscorer.
Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain turns down £800,000 a week to play for Hebei China Fortune
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 13, 2016
The bid comes a day after Higuain was reported to have rejected advances from Chinese Super League club, Hebei China Fortune in a deal that would have seen the 28-year-old pocket £800,000 per-week in terms of wages. The Argentine was Serie A’s top goalscorer last season and would be perfect for Juventus as they look to continue their domestic dominance.
Arsenal may well trump the Old Lady by activating the €94.7m release clause in Higauin’s contract and snatch the striker away from the Serie A champions. But, for now, Juventus appear to be the leading horse in the race to sign the 28-year-old.
