Arsenal have shown interest in signing Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli again this summer. However, manager Arsene Wenger has not made his mind to part ways with £78.8m, a sum that would trigger the release clause in his contract, James Olley of the Standard reports.

After failing in their attempts to sign Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette because of financial issues, the Gunners have made contact with the Italian club over a potential move. Napoli, who have been trying to flog the Argentine since signing him from Real Madrid for a record fee, have told them the striker could complete a transfer to Emirates Stadium in the event of his release clause being met.

By the looks of things, Napoli would accept any bid in the region of £50m as they may not be able to capitalise on the interests of the European heavyweights in two years’ time, with his Napoli contract running out in June 2018. Whether Arsenal will want to spend upwards of £50m for the 28-year-old remains to be seen. However, given the fact that the club was ready to bring in a holding midfielder in Granit Xhaka for £35m, spending a few more millions on a world-class striker will likely not be an issue.

The English media suggested that Olivier Giroud could be used as a makeweight in a bid for Higuain, but the French striker remains a major part of Wenger’s plans for the 2016/17 campaign.

Starting 35 games in Serie A last season, Higuain scored 36 goals and collected three assists. Should he adapt to the English game, he will instantly make Arsenal credible title contenders.