Manager Arsene Wenger has been pursuing the Argentina striker for weeks and upped his offer to Real Madrid from £21million to £23m to clinch the deal. Juventus were also chasing Higuain, 25, who has scored 107 league goals in 190 games for Madrid, but went for Carlos Tevez instead, leaving the path clear for Arsenal.
Higuain’s father and agent, Jorge Higuain, told Fox Sports Latin America that a deal was close. “We managed to get permission from Real to negotiate face to face with Arsenal,” he said.
“Fortunately, I will soon be able to watch my son play in the Premier League. There isn’t anything signed yet, but negotiations are advanced. We haven’t spoken about the contract yet. Arsenal have made a great offer, in the same way as Juventus.”