Juventus Still Challenging Arsenal For Real Madrid Forward

Juventus are still in the running to sign Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid according to club director Giuseppe Marotta.

A number of reports on Thursday suggested the Gunners had closed in on a deal to bring the Argentina international to the Emirates after offering the striker a reported €150,000 a week to seal the deal.

But comments from Ernesto Bronzetti, the man overseeing Higuain's prospective departure from the Bernabeu, yesterday denied terms had been agreed between the club and player, adding that a number of clubs including the Serie A champions were still vying for the 25-year-old's signature.

Club director Moratta has suggested the Bianconeri have not given up on the Real Madrid forward, insisting that there is still a long way to go before this particular transfer reaches its conclusion.

"Higuain? I do not want to say anything because there is still so much time left for things to happen," Moratta told Sky Italia.

Juventus have already agreed a deal to sign Fernando Llorente on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao this summer, but are still looking to add to their attacking options as they aim to mount a stronger Champions League challenge next season.

In addition to Higuain, the Serie A champions have also been linked with a move for Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez, whose future under new manager Manuel Pellegrini remains in doubt.

Montenegrin international Stevan Jovetic has also been linked with an exit from Fiorentina, a move heightened by comments made by his teammate Francesco Flachi, who believes the forward should be sold sooner rather than later to maintain harmony in the Viola dressing room.

But Morotta maintains any discussion about potential signings will remain between the respective clubs.

"There is no hurry," he added. "They are both (Tevez and Jovetic) great players but they are also with great clubs, so it would not be right to discuss them.

"I do not want to create an illusion that things are already in motion. "

Both Juventus and Arsenal have found themselves with the task of securing the services of an established striker this summer.

In addition to Higuain, Arsene Wenger's side have also been linked with an audacious move for Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, move that both the player and could greatly benefit from, according to The Gunners' second largest shareholder Alisher Usmanov.

"He is a great player, there would be great success for Rooney (if he joined Arsenal) and for Arsenal too," the Russian billionaire said on Wednesday.