Arsenal launched summer move for Gonzalo Higuain but failed to stump up the cash says Napoli chairman

ARSENAL launched an audacious summer move for striker Gonzalo Higuain – but failed to stump up enough cash.

According to Napoli’s club chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Gunners were well in the race for the Argentine striker this summer and wanted Higuain to lead the line in attack.

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But in typical Arsenal fashion, they were outbid by Juventus who eventually landed the 28-year-old for a whopping £75.3million.

And Laurentiis confirmed Arsene Wenger had made a move for the wantaway forward and they were not the only club.

Speaking to Standard Sport, he said: “We received a request from Arsenal.

“Personally I also received a request from Atletico Madrid but they didn’t put enough money on the table.

“We were not ready to sell him – for me Higuain was not for sale.”

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The striker angered Napoli fans when he made the move to fierce Serie A rivals Juventus when the Old Lady met his release clause.

But Laurentiis also revealed that he offered Higuain a contract worth more than Juventus.

He added: "One year ealier I offered another five year contract to Higuain and his brother. 'I will offer to you x'.

"It was more money than what he is getting right now from Juventus."

Higuain has wasted no time settling to life at his new club scoring six goals in four league starts - despite being branded 'a little pig'.