Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain’s potential move to Barcelona reportedly remains up in the air.
Italian source Il Mattino claims the Argentina international is tempted by the prospect of returning to La Liga with the Catalan giants, one year on from his Real Madrid departure.
However, the report also reveals Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will do whatever it takes to keep hold of the 26-year-old hitman as he looks to deliver on his promise of backing head coach Rafael Benitez.
He is determined to appease the former Liverpool manager by ensuring the club’s star performers do not leave during the summer transfer window, while also handing Benitez money to spend on new players.
Higuain was on Arsenal’s wishlist in the build-up to the 2013-14 campaign but a deal never materialised and he instead opted for a switch to Serie A.
He helped his side finish in third position in the table, seven points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina, although Napoli’s Champions League campaign ended prematurely and they dropped into the Europa League.
He scored 22 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions last term and is part of the Argentina squad competing at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Higuain came on as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Bosnia on Sunday night.