Arsenal are set to complete the transfer of Gonzalo Higuain this week with the Real Madrid forward keen to seal a move to the Emirates as soon as possible.
Personal terms have been agreed with the Gunners for quite a while now and all that remains is for Arsenal to agree on a fee with Real Madrid, who want €30 million (£25.5 million, $40 million) for the 25-year-old.
Arsenal hope to secure a move for around £22 million ($33.4 million) as Arsene Wenger looks to make Higuain the highest paid player and one of the central figures at the club.
Higuain's father Jorge is at the center of all the negotiations, and it has been made clear to Real that the Argentine international is keen to end his seven-year stay at the Bernabeu this summer, according to Marca, The player's camp is hopeful of a deal being completed by the end of the week.
Arsenal will now also hope to complete the signing of Julio Cesar from Queens Park Rangers after the goalkeeper put in a stellar performance in the final against Spain at the Confederations Cup.
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini is another player thought to be on Wenger's radar, but Arsenal are reportedly hesitant to match the player's £24 million ($36 million) buyout clause, which expires in the middle of August.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also a target for Arsenal, with Wenger believed to have already made an offer of around £20 million ($30 million) for the England international's services.
Wenger is reportedly keen to pair Rooney and Higuain up front in a mouthwatering strike partnership which is sure to produce plenty of goals.
Meanwhile, Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles believes Higuain can be as good as Robin Van Persie.
"Van Persie is a super player, one of my favorites and one of the best in the Premier League last season, along with Gareth Bale," he said.
"Can Higuain be as good as Van Persie? Of course he can, that's how good Higuain is.
"You remember when Van Persie arrived he was not exactly, immediately, the best player, it took a bit of time. But he was younger, now Higuain is much more experienced.
"Higuain is a top player. He will always score goals. He likes to be in the box all the time and he works hard for his team, wherever he goes he's going to be great for the team he's joining."
