I’ll start with the good (ish) news. Real Madrid have made Gonzalo Higuain available for sale, as he confirmed on the last day of the Spanish season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked, with Colombian radio speaking to his family under the impression he was Arsenal-bound.

Reports in Spain have suggested Juventus met with Real representatives to negotiate the transfer today, with some suggesting a bid had been made, but the two sides were playing a friendly, and their meeting was likely more to do with that.

Indeed, when quizzed on Higuain by the media, Juventus’s president Marotta claimed Higuain would not be sold “until a new coach was in place” and talks between the two sides would only start then. Which gives Arsenal an advantage, as Arsene Wenger met Higuain and his agent in Paris a few days ago. Haggling on the fee aside, Arsenal don’t have far to go.

Jovetic wants Juve

In less good news, Stevan Jovetic has come out in the media with his desire to play for Juventus. He was very clear in his desire not only to leave Fiorentina but to sign for their deadly rivals:

“I have been at Fiorentina since 2008 for five very intense seasons. I feel that I gave my all to Fiorentina, so I have nothing more to give here.

I am young and ambitious, so it’s normal I feel the need to test myself elsewhere. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting that. Florence and the Viola fans always wanted me to be honest, so here I am.

I need new motivation and to make the step up to the next level at a top club. Fiorentina took me to participate in Europe, but now I want to win in Europe.

Juve have been after me for a year. They say they want me and that in their list I come above Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Who wouldn’t be flattered by that? I am and I don’t think it is a betrayal to admit that.”

So yes. Jovetic will be fined for his comments, but if he ends up elsewhere than Juventus it certainly wasn’t out of choice.

An excellent player, but one who won’t sign for Arsenal. A shame.

On the other hand, this leaves Arsenal with a semi-free run at Higuain (Juventus want him as well. They are attempting to sign every striker in existence).

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