Real Madrid Add New Dimension to Arsenal's Move for Higuain

Arsenal's ongoing transfer battle to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has taken a new dimension after the Spanish giants' president Florentino Perez revealed there has been no contact from the Gunners for the services of the Argentina international.

The 25-year-old has been a priority transfer target for the north London club and are preparing a club record fee to land Higuain. The striker's agent had earlier confirmed that he is close to making a move to the Emirates after dismissing a move to Italian champions Juventus, who were also interested in signing him this summer.

Earlier reports suggested that Madrid's new manager Carlo Ancelotti is trying to convince Higuain to continue at Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, the Gunners are yet to make an approach for the services of the striker and Perez confirmed that the Spanish side are keen on retaining their player.

"We don't want Higuain to leave. What's more no-one from Arsenal has come to us and made us any offers at all for him. There are no offers on the table," Madrid president told Univision.

Spanish newspaper Marca claims Higuain has already returned to training. This has put cold waters on rumours stating that the striker had made a trip to London to complete his move to the Emirates club.

Arsenal are also interested in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, despite their new manager David Moyes categorically confirming the England international is not for sale. In addition to this, the Gunners' were targeting a £30m move for unhappy Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, which has been rejected by the Reds.

With Higuain move hanging in the balance and both Liverpool and United adamant they will not let their star player leave, Wenger has to look for alternatives in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could also make an approach to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke after he handed in a transfer request to leave Villa Park this summer. The Belgian has been on Wenger's radar after having an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

However, the north London club could face competition from their local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and the Europa League winners, Chelsea for Benteke's signature.