Arsenal Transfer News: Gonzalo Higuain's Talks with Gunners in Advanced Stage, Says Dad

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is likely to move to Arsenal as speculated with his dad hinting that he is on the verge of signing a new deal after talks with clubs reaching an "advanced stage".

The Gunners are ready to sign the 25-year-old Argentinian striker for a club-record £22million, reported The Sun.

"Nothing has yet been signed but I assure you the negotiations between the clubs are at an advanced stage. We won't agree a contract before the clubs reach a transfer deal. I'm sure Arsenal made a big offer, and Juventus," Gonzalo's dad Jorge told The Sun.

It is reported that coach Arsene Wenger is keen to ignite the club's attack which was affected to some extent after Robin van Persie moved to Manchester United last season.

Gonzalo Higuain, who has revealed his willingness to leave Bernabeu, has also been linked to clubs like Arsenal and Juventus. But Marca TV reported, "During a meeting between the Real Madrid top brass and Gonzalo Higuain on Wednesday, the club told the Argentinian striker that now is not the time to discuss a potential move away from Madrid."

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis had earlier revealed that the club is willing to spend big on some big international names defying their past rigid pay structure. Several names including Cesc Fabregas, Gonzalo Higuain, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney have been linked to the club following Gazidis' revelation.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's hope of signing Manchester United's striker, Rooney could take a beating following the reports that Real Madrid are also interested in him and would even agree for a swap with their star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid are interested in Rooney, who is valued at around £30m, and its new boss Carlo Ancelotti has been a long-time admirer of England striker and would be happy to sacrifice Ronaldo if it meant he could sign the United star, reported Daily Star.

Rooney, who has been sidelined ever since Robin van Persie joined Manchester United, reportedly placed transfer request to Sir Alex Ferguson before David Moyes took over. He has been linked to Arsenal for a £25million move despite Manchester United's reported policy not to sell their top players to Premier League rivals.