Two of Argentina’s biggest stars are closing in on moves as close-season business involving European clubs gathers pace. Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain are set to join Juventus and Arsenal respectively, with both deals reported to be at an advanced stage. Our man, John Coates reports on the deals….

Manchester City and Juventus agreed a fee for the transfer of Tevez, 29, on Tuesday and the striker has now arrived in Turin for a medical. He is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Italian champions, who have already bolstered their attack for the new season with the acquisition of Spanish international Fernando Llorente. The signing of Tevez will bring to an end a four-year spell at City, having joined from bitter cross-town rivals Manchester United in the summer of 2009. The former Boca Juniors hero posted a healthy return of 73 goals in 148 appearances, but his time at City will probably be best remembered for the infamous Champions League match at Bayern Munich in 2011, when he refused to come on as a substitute and was subsequently fined and suspended. That being said, the departure of a proven world-class talent will undoubtedly be a loss to the English Premier League and give recently installed Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, much to think about in his search for an adequate replacement.

It remains to be seen whether City will attempt to hijack Arsenal’s move for Higuain, which, after weeks of speculation, appears to be edging towards completion. Ironically, Juventus were also thought to be in the running for the signature of the Real Madrid striker, however their impending move for Tevez looks to have left the path clear for Arsenal, who are reported to have already agreed personal terms with Higuain and a fee in principle, believed to be in the region of £22m, with the Spanish giants. The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager at the Bernabeu is likely to see the transfer rubber-stamped, and allow Arsenal to add the 25-year old former River Plate front-man to their squad ahead of the new campaign. Indeed, his brother and agent, Nicolas Higuain, today indicated that his most likely destination was London confirming: “I can’t deny that Gonzalo is now close to Arsenal.” Despite not always being a regular starter during his six-and-a-half years in Madrid, Higuain has netted well over 100 goals, so the list of rumoured suitors has been considerable since he announced his intention to leave.

The signing of Higuain would be something of a coup for Arsenal and represent a considerable shift in the club’s transfer policy, given the fact that the likely fee involved will comfortably smash their transfer record of £15m. It would also go some way to appeasing the Arsenal fans who have been desperate for the to club to make some big-name signings, in the face of significant spending from their Premier League rivals. With the prospect of Higuain spearheading their attack, and the likelihood of further investment to follow this summer, optimism that they might win their first trophy since 2005 will increase.

John Coates is a London based football writer and Arsenal season ticket holder.