Juventus have confirmed the signing of explosive Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli.
Higuain was heavily linked with the Bianconeri in the recent weeks and it was reported last week that the 29-year old had agreed personal terms with the Turin club.
OFFICIAL: Gonzalo Higuain joins Juventus on a five-year deal: https://t.co/m1Zo30ikKs #BienvenidoPipita pic.twitter.com/9CsVcHpCld
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) July 26, 2016
The former Real Madrid attacker was also chased by Arsenal but Wenger backed out due to his massive buy-out clause.
The Serie A champions however had no problems in triggering the attackers €90 million buy-out clause, as the prolific forward signed a 5-year contract with the Old Lady.
The fee will be paid in 2 instalments of €45 million each and Higuain will earn a whopping €7.5m a year at the Juventus Stadium.
The Serie A website however leaked the transfer before it was officially announced by the clubs as they published it under ‘completed deals’ section of their website on Tuesday.
Higuain had a record-breaking season with Napoli in 2015/16 as the Argentinian international went on to score 36 goals in 35 appearances, breaking Gunnar Nodahl’s goal-scoring record in Serie A.
71 – Since his debut, Gonzalo Higuain has scored 24 more goals than any other Serie A player (71). Lethal. pic.twitter.com/ToLspUopym
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 26, 2016
Higuain has now become the third most expensive player of all time, behind only Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also becoming Juventus’ most expensive signing of all time.
However, this transfer has also intensified the rumours of Paul Pogba’s eminent return to Old Trafford as Juventus will be looking to recoup money in the transfer window.
Higuain will also be hoping to add a Serie A title to his illustrious trophy cabinet, after 3 failed attempts with Napoli.