Arsenal risk missing out on long-term target Gonzalo Higuaín, who has opened talks over a transfer to Napoli.
Napoli, who sold Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain for £55.5 million this week, have identified the Real Madrid striker and Brazilian Leandro Damião as the two attackers to bolster a frontline which also lost Ezequiel Lavezzi last summer.
In a Twitter Q&A, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis was asked if the club had held transfer discussions with the Argentine goalscorer and replied: “It’s true.”
De Laurentiis' reply regarding Higuaín to a fan
Higuaín, 25, agreed personal terms with Arsenal earlier this summer but Real Madrid have since demanded a £27m fee - roughly £5m more than the Gunners expected to pay.
Arsenal's interest in Luis Suárez has also plunged their pursuit of Higuaín into doubt. Liverpool rejected a £30m bid 10 days ago and manager Arsène Wenger is now considering whether to offer the £40m it is believed will prise the Uruguayan away from Anfield.
Higuaín was expected to join Arsenal at the beginning of the month
Wayne Rooney is also interesting Arsenal, who enquired about the striker's availability but were rebuffed by Manchester United.
However the latest developments in the Rooney saga could see Arsenal vie with Chelsea for a player who is reportedly open to moving to London.
Yaya Sanogo remains the only arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer, having joined on a free from Auxerre.