Arsenal transfer news: Udinese president confirms Gunners' approach for on-loan striker Duvan Zapata

Udinese president Franco Soldati has confirmed Arsenal's offer for on-loan striker Duvan Zapata but is hopeful that the striker will remain with the Serie A club next season. The Colombian forward is one year into his two-year loan spell from Napoli but they have the option of recalling him this summer.

The 25-year-old forward scored eight goals in 25 appearances for the Italian club prompting interest from a number of clubs according to the Udinese president, but hopes that he remains at the Dacia Arena and completes his loan spell. Gonzalo Higuain's future remains uncertain at Napoli and despite the Colombian not being a like for like replacement, the Stadio Sao Paolo outfit could recall him next season to ease the burden.

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he will sign a striker next season after citing the lack of goals in the second half of the campaign for Arsenal's failed title bid. Olivier Giroud is set to start as first-choice, but his lack of consistency and Danny Welbeck's knee injury will see the Gunners add a forward during the summer transfer window.

The north London club have been heavily linked with a move for Juventus forward Alvaro Morata, and the Turin club's manager Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that the club are looking for alternatives in the transfer market. Theo Walcott's future at the club remains uncertain, while Yaya Sanogo is likely to be sold after failing to break into the first-team and impress during his loan spells away from the club this season. Zapata is unlikely to meet Arsenal's need, but with Giroud the only recognised centre-forward, he could provide backup to the Frenchman.

"There is a clause that allows Napoli to recall him early from the two-year loan," Soldati is reported as telling Radio Kiss Kiss, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.

"He is very happy in Udine, his agent said that too and I hope he can remain with our jersey. He also received many offers from abroad, including from Arsenal. However, first we want coach Beppe Iachini to get to know the team so they can make shared decisions," the Udinese president added.