Finally the news that all Arsenal fans have been waiting for has arrived. The Mirror report that the deal to sign Gonzalo Higuain has been finalised and will be completed in the next couple of days.
Gunners fans have been nervously waiting throughout the close season to see if the club would be true to their promise of spending real money on world class stars.
The imminent arrival of Higuain is certainly a step in the right direction. Arsenal will pay Real Madrid £22m – a club record transfer fee – for the Argentine and have offered the striker a deal of around £130,000 per week.
The club said money was available
This move shows genuine intent from Wenger and his board to close the gap on the sides above them. The club had promised they would change their transfer policy this summer and go for players already at the top of their game, instead of punting on youngsters with potential or inconsistent forwards.
The signings in recent seasons at Arsenal have been less than inspiring. Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh were both disappointing while the jury is still out on Lukas Podolski.
Higuain heading into his best years
Higuain however looks to be a cut above. He joined Real Madrid from River Plate six years ago and has won six major trophies at the Bernabéu. He has scored 75 league goals in the past four seasons and has 20 goals in 32 caps for Argentina. There is no doubting Higuain is a world class player and he is joining Arsenal aged 25, heading into the best years of his career.
If Wenger really wants to get the fans excited, then he could back up the deal for Higuain by landing another couple of big names.
Wenger still put of by asking prices
However, that may be a little way away yet. The Frenchman had shown interest in Everton’s powerhouse midfielder Marouane Fellaini, but is not convinced he is worth the £24m buy-out clause in his contract. Wenger has also cooled on the idea of bringing Swansea’s captain Ashley Williams to the Emirates, again being put off by the £10m asking price for the defender.
Perhaps the club should just pay what is necessary to bring in these two. Both have been consistent performers in the Premier League so would need little or no time to adapt to their new surroundings, and would add real quality and experience to the side.
To mount a serious title challenge next season, Arsenal will need at least two or three more top players brought in. The Gunners fans will be hoping that Higuain’s arrival is a sign of things to come.
