Reports: Arsenal going back in for Gonzalo Higuain this summer

Gonzalo Higuain in action for Argentina in their first FIFA World Cup 2014 game against Bosnai and Herzegovina

Arsenal came close to signing Gonzalo Higuain last summer, and they could be set to go up against Barcelona with a new move for the Napoli striker this year, according to the Daily Express.

Barcelona are rebuilding their squad under new manager Luis Enrique, who has already sold Cesc Fabregas and signed Ivan Rakitic, and he now wants to bring Higuain to Camp Nou to play alongside his Argentine teammate Lionel Messi.

Arsenal relied far too heavily on Olivier Giroud last year, and are in need of an elite striker this summer. The Gunners are expected to match any offer that comes from Barcelona as Arsene Wenger doesn’t want to miss out on Higuain for a second time. Manchester United and Chelsea, who are expected to sign Diego Costa imminently, are also monitoring the situation.

Despite the interest from England, Higuain is believed to favour a return to Spain, if he were to leave Napoli after just one season in Serie A.

The Argentina forward welcomed the interest from Barcelona, saying: ”Of course. I enjoy playing alongside him for the national team.

“Obviously it would be an enormous pleasure, but for now I’m focused on the World Cup.

“I’m flattered by the interest from Barca. Any player would be.”

Higuain scored 17 goals for Napoli last season under Rafa Benitez. Napoli had a successful season, qualifying for the Champions League and managing a win in the Coppa Italia, beating Fiorentina in the final.