Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners and Manchester United 'Have Contacted' Striker Ahead of Summer Move

Arsenal and Manchester United are all set to battle it out for the signature of Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli in the summer transfer window.

Higuain is expected to be made available by Napoli after the Italian club missed out on a Champions League place for next season.

With Rafa Benitez also leaving the club for Real Madrid, speculation has been rife over Higuain's future, as the striker looks to move on and play for a club in the Champions League.

Napoli's misfortunes could be to the English Premier League's advantage as both Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in the Argentine's services.

Higuain was quite close to completing a move to Arsenal a couple of seasons ago, before Napoli nipped in and sealed the deal for the striker from Real Madrid.

Despite missing out on Higuain a couple of summers back, Arsenal still retain an interest in the 27-year-old, and are ready to make a move in this transfer window.

However, competition for the prolific striker will be high, with Manchester United also reportedly making contact over a move for Higuain, much like Arsenal, according to Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri.

"Manchester United have contacted Higuain," Palmeri tweeted. "Arsenal too have contacted Higuain."

It makes sense for both Arsenal and Manchester United to go for a marquee striker like Higuain. While Arsenal could use some extra firepower up front, just to help out the likes of Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United are desperate to sign a goalscorer following the exits of Radamel Falcao and the possible departure of Robin Van Persie.

Even if Van Persie does not leave this season, his injury problems and dip in form over the past couple of seasons will be a cause for concern for Louis Van Gaal, and Higuain could be the perfect solution.

Manchester United are thought to have made Karim Benzema their No.1 striking target, but Real Madrid are unlikely to sell the France international this summer, which could then force Van Gaal to look elsewhere.

While Arsenal are not as desperate for a striker as Manchester United, there have been calls to add a world-class attacker to their ranks, and Higuain could be the answer.

Either way, the striker will not come on the cheap as Napoli are expected to ask a figure in excess of £40 million, and if a bidding war arises, Manchester United will have the clear advantage over Arsenal.

The potential move for any side could take a while, though, as Higuain is set to join up with the Argentina squad for the Copa America, which runs until next month.