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LONDON. — Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer Olivier Giroud and £42 million for Gonzalo Higuain.

Sky in Italy has reported that no offer has been forthcoming from the Gunners, but say “intermediaries” have been in contact with the Argentina striker’s brother who acts as his agent.

Higuain — top scorer in Serie A last season with 36 goals — would cost Arsenal a club record fee.

That has led to speculation in Italy that Giroud may be used as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

Giroud’s agent — asked about the possibility of moving to Napoli — told Radio CRC that the France international would enjoy playing for the Serie A club.

And Giroud’s agent has talked up a deal by admitting his client would thrive at a club like Napoli.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be on the look-out for a new striker after failing to land Jamie Vardy from Leicester during Euro 2016.

Real Madrid ace and Chelsea target Alvaro Morata is on Wenger’s radar after recently returning to the Bernabeu from Juventus. And Santos star Gabriel Barbosa is also a possibility after making his Brazil breakthrough at the Copa America, although he looks set to postpone a move to Europe for at least another year.

But Wenger is determined to secure the signature of a proven hitman after narrowly missing out on the English Premier League title last season, with Giroud his only out-and-out forward available after Danny Welbeck suffered another long-term injury. — The Sun-The Mirror.