Arsene Wenger set for Napoli hierarchy meeting in London to discuss £42million plus Olivier Giroud bid for Gonzalo Higuain

ARSENE WENGER is preparing to meet members of the Napoli hierarchy to discuss a potential swap deal involving Olivier Giroud and Gonzalo Higuain, according to reports in Italy.

Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer after lacking the firepower to sustain a title challenge last season.

And Rai claim the Gunners boss will explore the possibility of bringing Higuain to the Emirates.

Wenger is set to meet Napoli director, Cristiano Giuntoli and president Aurelio Di Laurentiis to negotiate a deal worth £42million plus Giroud for last season’s Serie A record breaker.

Arsenal prefer to keep their French striker, but would be open to a sale if meant they could bring in Higuain.

The Argentina hitman, 28, equalled an 87-year-old Italian record when he scored a staggering 36 goals in Serie A last season to propel himself into the bracket of Europe’s deadliest strikers.

Higuain’s brother and agent recently revealed they were not open to renewing at Napoli and would be willing to leave when his current contract ends next season.

Wenger is desperate to bring a striker to the Emirates this summer.

Jamie Vardy rejected a move to Arsenal while Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata and Brazil sensation, Gabriel Barbosa remain viable alternatives.

The Frenchman’s preference would be to keep Giroud at the Emirates and partner him in attack with fellow countryman, Alexandre Lacazette.

However, the Arsenal and France striker’s agent, Mickael Manuello confirmed playing for Napoli is something that would interest him.

He said: “At the moment, Giroud is an Arsenal player. If he was asked to leave, then we would evaluate our options.

“There is no fear in Olivier going to Napoli, it is a magnificent city.

“In Campania, my client would lead a wonderful life, not to mention that the type of game orchestrated by Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri could enhance the quality of a centre-forward like him.”