Arsenal target Higuaín could be set for new Napoli contract

Argetninian striker Gonzalo Higuaín is set to be offered a new contract by Napoli, with the club ready to make him the highest paid player in Serie A, according to reports.

The 28-year-old was the top scorer in Serie A last season, netting 36 goals to break the all-time league record for most goals scored in a single season. Higuaín's goals fired Napoli to second place in the table, securing automatic qualification for next seasons's Champions League.

And Napoli are determined to hold on to their star player despite strong interest from Arsenal, and Radio Kiss Kiss is reporting that the club has offered Higuaín a new contract worth €7.5 million per year.

If the former Real Madrid striker accepts the new deal, he will surpass AS Roma's Daniele De Rossi as the highest paid player in Italy.

Higuaín is thought to been reluctant to renew with Napoli, and recent comments from his brother and agent suggested that he could even be open to a move to a new club this summer.

The Argentina international reportedly turned down an offer of £800,000 per week to play in the Chinese Super League recently -- a deal which would've made Higuaín the highest paid footballer in history.

But the striker might be more attracted by Arsenal's interest, with the Gunners having lodged a player plus cash offer which would see French striker Olivier Giroud go the other way.

Reports suggest that if Higuaín does not agree to the new contract offer, Napoli will seriously consider Arsenal's offer, the proceeds of which would then be used to move for Internazionale's Mauro Icardi.