Gonzalo Higuain: Juventus on the verge of signing Napoli striker after agreeing to pay £78m buyout clause
Higuain is understood to have agreed a four-year deal worth up to £8.3m a year with bonuses
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Reports have emerged suggesting that Juventus have agreed to pay the £78m buyout clause for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.
The Serie A champions look close completing the signing of the Argentine who has been linked with a number of sides from across the continent, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to the Daily Mail, talks are now underway between the clubs with some reports claiming that the player underwent a secret medical on Friday afternoon.
Higuain is understood to have agreed a four-year deal worth up to £8.3m a year with bonuses after tax.
Juventus will pay the transfer fee in two instalments of £39million, though it is understood that the deal is not dependent on Paul Pogba's possible move to Manchester United given the club’s current financial strength.
Speaking prior to these developments, Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis claimed that the forward would “betray himself” if he were to leave the Serie A runners-up.
“I haven't spoken to the player," De Laurentiis told reporters. “The only offer I've had was from the president of Atletico Madrid last month and I told him we couldn't do anything. He offered €60million plus two or three players and I said no.
“Even if Juventus were to come into the picture, they need Higuain's consent.”
He added: “Would he be betraying Napoli? It would be a much bigger betrayal of himself.”
Higuain joined Napoli from Real Madrid in 2013 and has since made 140 appearances for the club, scoring 89 goals.
He notably broke an 87-year-old record last season when he became the first player to score 36 goals within Serie A.
Having recently lost Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid, and with Paul Pogba’s departure to United still on the cards, Higuain will represent a significant signing for Juventus as they look to strengthen their side.
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