Gonzalo Higuain ‘turns down Napoli contract’

The striker has yet again been linked with a move away from Italy, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United among those rumoured to be in the hunt.

“We had a meeting with the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] in Venice 10 days ago,” said Nicolas Higuain, agent and brother of Gonzalo.

“We talked about everything. He offered a one-year contract extension, however, in my opinion - and in our opinion - we’ll continue with the original contract, expiring in 2018.

“I don’t think we’ll accept the president’s offer, because the contract isn’t that different to the one we signed before, so for us it’s not a real offer."

However, he dampened speculation linking his client with a switch elsewhere.

“We’re calm and happy to continue with the current conditions," he added.

“At the moment, we have faith, Gonzalo will stay at Napoli, in a team which is 100 per cent focused and can win something.

“It seems strange, but the big clubs have not contacted me, nor have I spoken with anyone.”