rsenal have finally joined the Premier League’s biggest spenders after finalising a record-breaking deal to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain that could be worth a staggering £50million.
And the club’s billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov has also urged manager Arsene Wenger to keep splashing the cash with a move for Wayne Rooney.
It was earlier this month that Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club were now in a financial position to be pursue Europe’s more expensive players, and so appease supporters long frustrated by Wenger’s more frugal approach in the transfer market.
Higuain is the first real evidence of a shift. As revealed by Sportsmail on Tuesday, Higuain has agreed to join Arsenal next season after successful talks between Arsenal chiefs and the Argentine’s representatives.
It is understood the 25-year-old has agreed a four-year contract, which inclusive of bonuses is worth up to £150,000 per week.
And the clubs have now virtually agreed a £22million fee for the striker, who has scored 117 goals for Real since his arrival from River Plate in 2006.
Only the fact the Spanish club do not have a manager in position to sign the deal off is delaying the completion of the transfer.
Higuain’s capture will take a healthy chunk out of Wenger’s £70million summer warchest - but Usmanov, the club’s second biggest shareholder, now wants the Gunners to land Rooney.
As revealed by Sportsmail last month, Wenger has a concrete interest in the unsettled Manchester United striker, despite the fact his £250,000-per-week wages would provide a major stumbling block towards a shock move.
The pending signing of Higuain makes a move for Rooney less likely, but Usmanov said: ‘He is a great player and [joining Arsenal] would be great for Rooney, and Arsenal too.’
If Rooney does leave Manchester United this summer, Chelsea remain the favourites to sign him.
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