Arsenal moved one step closer to completing the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid, after Juventus, the other contenders for the signature of the Argentine international, confirmed the signing of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.
With Carlo Ancelotti appointed new Real manager, it seems like only a matter of time before a deal for Higuain to join Arsenal is ratified, with the Argentine international's brother Nicolas, who is also his agent, confirming Arsenal were close to sealing a move.
"I think that Higuain is now closer to Arsenal," he told TMW.
"Juventus are a great club, but Gonzalo is too expensive for them. Napoli are a strong side and that place represents a lot for Argentines.
"Saying that, I can't deny that Gonzalo is now close to Arsenal."
A deal worth around £22 million ($34 million) has been reportedly agreed between the two clubs, with Higuain set to be easily Arsenal's most expensive transfer of all-time.
The 25-year-old has reportedly agreed on wages of around £130,000 a week ($199,400) and has personally given his nod for a switch to the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger has been given funds to spend big this summer as Arsenal look to get back amongst the elite.
Apart from Higuain, Wenger is also targeting midfielder Marouane Fellaini, with Arsenal reportedly intimating to Everton they were ready to match the player's release clause.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who made a brilliant penalty save to deny Diego Forlan in the Confederations Cup semifinals, has also reportedly agreed a move to Arsenal, while Wenger could make a move for a right-back and central defender depending on departures in the summer.
Johan Djourou is wanted by German clubs Hamburg and Hannover and the Swiss international could be set to leave the Gunners soon. Forward Nicklas Bendtner is also reportedly in talks with a few German clubs, with Arsenal thought to have accepted bids from five different clubs.
Having already released Denilson, Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squilacci, Arsenal have culled quite a significant amount from the wage bill, and if the likes of Park Chu-Young and Marouane Chamakh join Djourou and Bendtner in exiting the club in the summer, it will open up a lot more space in the wage department.
