Arsenal move step closer to Gonzalo Higuain deal

Higuain's father and agent admits that he has been given permission by Real Madrid to speak to the Gunners and finalise a switch to north London

Gonzalo Higuain (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal’s transfer for Gonzalo Higuain looks to have taken a step closer today after the striker’s father – and agent –Jorge has been quoted as saying Real Madrid have given him permission to speak to Arsenal.

The Gunners are thought to have been in talks with Madrid for a number of weeks about a move, and sources in Argentina suggest that the have finally reached a deal.

Real are believed to want £21 million for the Argentinian with Arsenal failing to meet that valuation on their initial bid, but it seem a compromise has been reached over the fee, though it is still expected to break the transfer-record for the north London club.

Higuain senior has told Fox Sports Argentina: “We have been given permission by Real Madrid to negotiate with Arsenal.

“I will luckily be able to see my son in the Premier League soon. There isn’t anything signed yet, but the negotiations are very advanced.”

The forward is now expected to fly to the capital and could complete the move over this weekend, with Arsenal fans eager to see the deal finalised as they have been promised a strengthened squad by manager Arsene Wenger for the upcoming campaign.

But Jorge insisted that the deal is still not done, with contract negotiations still to be discussed.

“We haven’t spoken about the contract yet. Arsenal have made a great offer, in the same way as Juventus.”

The Italian club last week signed Higuain’s national teammate Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, leaving the door open for Wenger’s side to complete the move of Higuain.