Arsenal are facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain after the Spanish giants increased his price to £37m, the Mail Online understands.
The Gunners had looked to be the favourites to land the Argentina international for around £23m, though negotiations have stalled.
Napoli, fresh from selling Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint Germain for £55m, have entered the race to sign Higuain, according to their president Aurelio De Laurentis.
Should Arsene Wenger miss out on the 25 year old, he could well turn his full attention towards signing Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.
The North London club have already failed in one attempt to sign the Uruguay international, with a £25m bid reportedly reject by the Reds last week.
The 26 year old has been told he has until the end of the month to sort out his future, though manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep him at Anfield.
The former Ajax man is currently serving a ten game suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in April.
Elsewhere, Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the club can afford Wayne Rooney’s wages, though Chelsea remain the favourites to sign the England international.
