Arsenal are preparing to part with Olivier Giroud in a bid to lure Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli.

The website of Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Arsene Wenger is willing to throw Frenchman Giroud into the equation as he continues his pursuit of Argentine ace Higuain.

It is believed that Wenger has no plans to meet Napoli's £72million asking price for Higuain but may use Giroud as a makeweight, with a cash-plus-player deal his intention.

The 29-year-old Les Bleus attacker was the Gunners top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions last term but Higuain's record-breaking season of 36 Serie A goals appeals more to Wenger.

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is reportedly a big fan of Giroud and was present as France were beaten 1-0 by Portugal in the Euro2016 final on Sunday night.